There is a school of thought which holds Coldplay up as an example of the tedious British whining which will sell nowhere else but here. Does that matter?

The plaintive, mellow and soulful sounds continue in a similar vein to the amazing debut album Parachutes.

Although riddled with melancholy, Coldplay still have a life-affirming quality and you can't help but feel relaxed and optimistic after listening.

Just the sort of thing you want to listen to in the bath with a large brandy. Or is that just me?

Four Globes out of five. SH