Coldplay‘s Chris Martin executes a pretty neat trick in the band’s throwback of a video for the single “Magic”: he appears in two places at once.
In the black and white video — which dropped Monday (April 7) — Martin plays two parts: a dastardly, evil magician who abuses his equally magical wife, played by Ziyi Zhang (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”), as well as her gentle assistant, who’s very obviously in love with the woman.
Shot in silent film style by Grammy-winning director Jonas Akerlund, the video turns Coldplay’s spare, moody song about the endurance and durability of one’s heart into a careful little story about finding love in even the most oppressive of places.
“Magic” is the first single off of the band’s upcoming sixth studio album, Ghost Stories, the first since 2011’s Mylo Xyloto.
Set to drop on May 19, the record was produced by Paul Epworth, of Adele fame, and, from what we’ve heard so far, seems to be a rather hushed, personal affair.
The band debuted four songs during SXSW last month and released the track at the end of February.
Chris Martin and Co. are keeping busy up until their May release date, however; the singer will appear at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday to usher Peter Gabriel into the hallowed institution.
No Comments