but i think it's not pandering to admit they're a solid band.

obviously if you want your music to 'rock' in the traditional sense they wouldn't be your cup of tea and the do owe alot to Radiohead for the attention to soundscapes, but they're not as odd or dedicated to making artistic statements than Radiohead. I think Chris Martin and the rest of the band knows their lane as pop rock, kinda emo music and they don't really bother anyone.