Coldplay Enlist Ash Frontman Tim Wheeler on New Album

Coldplay are working with Ash frontman Tim Wheeler on recording sessions for their new album, according to reports.

The four-piece has been busying itself in the studio over the last few months recording the follow-up to 2008's 'Viva la Vida' album. Now it transpires Wheeler has been contributing his talents in sessions for their as-yet-unnamed fifth album.

A source was quoted by The Sun, "Chris [Martin] has always had a soft spot for Ash. They were quite close in the early days and have shared a number of bills over the years."

The source was quoted saying, "He admires Tim as a songwriter, especially his brilliant way with melodies, so he didn't think twice about asking him to get involved."

Ash first came to prominence in 1995 on the back of hit singles 'Kung Fu', 'Girl From Mars' and 'Angel Interceptor' but in recent years have struggled to make much of an impact.

Wheeler reportedly joins the quartet and producer Brian Eno on the project which at one point Martin described as a "concept album." However in recent statements, the singer has distanced himself from his earlier description.

Coldplay are certainly going all out on the album. As previously reported by Spinner, Martin believes the band are on track to deliver their "masterpiece" but a lot of work remains to be done, not least by co-producer Marcus Dravs.

Martin explained, "We were with Brian Eno for a long period just messing around. Now we're with Marcus, trying to turn that into something cohesive and under seven hours long. The worst mistake we could make, when we're the most Marmite-y of bands, would be to make a super-long thing."

Watch the Video to Ash's 'Shining Light'