Coldplay accused of copying 'Viva La Vida' melody

An American indie band have implied that Coldplay knowingly copied one of their melodies for new song 'Viva La Vida' - something the British group have strongly denied.

Posting their claims in a Youtube clip, Brooklyn group Creaky Boards alledge that the melody in Chris Martin and co's track sounds very similar to one of their songs - and that the Coldplay frontman may have even seen them play live last year.

Including footage of the band playing at the New York CMJ festival in October 2007, a caption posted by songwriter Andrew Hoepfner reads: "We were flattered when we thought we saw Chris Martin in the crowd that night. He seemed pretty into it. Maybe too into it."

He then adds: "The crazy thing is that my song is actually called 'The Songs I Didn't Write'."

The clip compares sections of both songs to allow viewers to make up their minds.

Hoepfner then concludes the video with a caption, saying: "Anyway, I wish Coldplay the best of luck. If they ever want to collaborate, I've got some microphones we could use in my bedroom. I'm gonna get ready to play a show now. I hope the soundguy remembers to pass the tip jar..."

You can watch the full clip below.

However a spokesperson for Coldplay denied Creaky Boards' claims, explaining that 'Viva La Vida' was actually written and demoed in March 2007.

Meanwhile, the band are set to play a free gig at Brixton Academy tonight (June 16) - see NME.COM for a live report later today.