Comparison to X&Y studio work
I think it's important to really look at how the band have approached making the new album. Many of the interviews and information about X&Y really showed that the band had appoached that album initially as "just a job" and that each ember was separately working in the studio. They finally realized toward the end of the production cycle that they didn't like much of what they'd done and that they'd have to really work as a band to create the new album. Even tho it took a long time for X&Y to come out, they created the bulk of the album in months. So I think X&Y was a bit rushed and lacked some cohesiveness. It was really an album of transition as the band realized their potential and what they could acheive together.
With the new album, it seems like they have approached it with huge energy and they really want to make something amazing and new. They are ALL really working hard from the getgo as a band, not as individual artists. I think that this will make all the difference. From looking at how much the band has grown in the past years since X&Y I have no doubt that Prospekts journals are dead right. I can't wait to hear what these guys have created!
Just my thoughts.