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KINK Community Concert Review: Coldplay

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April 25, 2012, 12:57 pm

KINK Community member Cynthia Orlando was at what can't be described only as a concert. It was an event. A production. An experience.

COLDPLAY AT THE ROSE GARDEN

You know you've just been to a very special concert when crowds of people from all around you start to spontaneously whoop and holler while leaving the stadium. And why not let off a little steam in the afterglow of a good show?

PORTLAND, FIRST STATESIDE CONCERT ON THE TOUR

In the first U.S. city concert of their current Mylo Xyloto tour, Coldplay mesmerized fans with light shows, lasers, and of course great music with selections that spanned the last twelve years, playing for almost 2 hours at the sold-out Portland Rose Garden Arena. And, while the band was definitely in Oregon to promote their latest "Mylo Xyloto" effort, it was clear that many songs from earlier releases were equally, and in some cases more, well-loved by concertgoers.

For instance, while Coldplay opened with "Mylo Xyloto" and "Hurts Like Heaven," the stands came alive and people got to their feet with the opening notes of "In My Place" from "A Rush of Blood to the Head." Other crowd favorites were clearly "Fix You" from "X & Y," and "Viva la Vida" and "Lovers in Japan," both from Viva la Vida.

This isn't to say songs from Mylo Xyloto didn't charm, excite, or satisfy, however. Fans were ecstatic with "Charlie Brown" and its brilliant wrist band / special effects light show, the hit single "Paradise," and "Princess of China," underscored by a stunning music video of recording artist Rihanna displayed from circular drop-down screens hanging from the ceiling. "Major Minus" was also compelling.

HOW'S THAT TUESDAY NIGHT CONCERT WORKING FOR YOU?

Flaws at last night's show? It was hard to hear the guitar solo during "Paradise," ticket prices ($98 a pop plus fees) were extremely high, and guys, is there seriously no way to avoid a Tuesday night for a rock show? Have pity on the working man. These things aside, probably the biggest criticism was hearing only one track ("Fix You") from "X & Y," which was nominated for best rock album in 2006. It would have been oh-so-wonderful to have heard songs like "Square One," "What If," "White Shadows," and most especially, "Speed of Sound."

Minor quibbles aside, is there anything more fun than watching Chris Martin skip joyfully down the runway like a kid on a schoolyard? A great and charismatic performer, Martin was his usual amiable and engaging self, exuding good energy, encouraging sing-a-longs and thanking the audience "for whatever it took to get you here."

Special effects were fun, too. Wrist bands dispensed to concertgoers at the door were synchronized with the night's light show and the visual effects on songs like "Charlie Brown" were brilliant and stunning, and lasers bounced off the walls during their performance of "Clocks." Rather than "hard rock," Martin has described the group's sound as "limestone rock," and somehow Coldplay always finds creative ways to match the look of their shows with their alternative rock style sound.

A BAND TRUE TO THEIR MUSIC

The band also does an exceptional job of remaining true to their standards, avoiding product endorsements and supporting causes like Amnesty International and fair trade. As one of the world's best-selling music artists, Coldplay have sold more than 55 million records worldwide.

Is it any wonder people were still hollering while exiting the concert? Some of the best moments of the night included the happy high-spirited audience participation on the songs "Viva la Vida," "Paradise," and "Fix You," (and also, some great guitar work on "Violet Hill").

Coldplay performs in Seattle tonight (4/25), in San Jose on the 27th and in Los Angeles May 1-2.

The groups Metronomy and The Pierces opened for Coldplay. Watch Metrnomy in the BING Lounge, below. And catch some live action from the Rose Garden, as well.