Effortlessly melodic, devoid of bombast or artifice, engaging and doleful, the songs of Coldplay occupy a unique place in the firmament of contemporary rock music. Never afraid of exposing heart-on-sleeve vulnerability or making the grand romantic gesture, Coldplay are architects of heart-swooning, graceful, minor-key indie ballads for a generation bored by the clinical futurism of electronica and the retrogressive squall of loud guitars. They don't embarrass themselves with self-conscious militancy or gob-shite proclamations - instead, they concentrate on producing emotional, intimate music, their best songs twinkling with a dream-like quality, but carrying enough intelligence to avoid schmaltz, self-importance or earnestness. Coldplay are the antithesis of Popstars and nu-metal, and in singer/songwriter Chris Martin, possess a sparkling talent who can refresh the most jaded of palates with the shimmering beauty of his tunes. From the early days to current achievements, their story is here.