In the first live set since announcing their Ghost Stories album, Coldplay performed two new songs in addition to previously-revealed singles “Magic” and “Midnight” at iTunes Festival at SXSW 2014.
The first, “Always in My Head”, is a tender ballad loaded with looping guitars, and Chris Martin’s falsetto croons—sounding like a slightly rockier version of 2003 single “Clocks.” The other, “Another’s Arms”, sounds more like the British band’s classic piano-rock embellished with a racing electric guitar-driven bridge and closes with a haunting wail session from Martin.
Similar to the previously-revealed Ghost Stories tracks, the material suggests Coldplay is opting for a low-key, atmospheric sound on their sixth studio LP.
Look out for the new album to drop May 19.