Editors Album: “Back Room [UK]”

A lot of bands have come close to emulating the retro 80's post-punk sound but, except for Interpol, none have really captured my

attention more than Editors. As soon as I heard "Munich" on the UK XFM radio in early 2005 I was hooked. I had to work a little

bit to find other Editors songs since the album wasn't available here at the time.

Tom Smith's vocals have an earnestness as if he's trying to convince a jury to find him not guilty, as if his life is

at stake. Chris Urbanowicz's razor sharp guitars at times pulse, wail, or soar throughout the album. And Russell Leetch's

bass blends well with Ed Lay's tight drumming.

"Munich" is a song that has to be played loud, one of the most thrilling songs in the last 5 years, and my pick for

single of the year for 2005. "Blood" is another track to be played on repeat and it contains some of the albums'

more memorable lyrics. The opening bars of of my recent fave "Someone Says" are practically a homage to any early U2

song you can think of, with it's driving beat and staccato guitar tones. First single, "Bullets", has less of a melancholy

feel than some of the other tracks and a great thrashing, repeated chorus. There are a couple of slower tracks too, including

"Fall" and "Camera" where Smith employs some simple keyboards.

The bottom line is Editors can write and perform some impressive tunes, songs and riffs that stay in your head days

after you hear them. And I'm hoping for even greater things in their future releases.

For all fans of this album, I would strongly urge you to check out the following releases if you haven't already:

Joy Division - "Unknown Pleasures", "Closer"

The Chameleons - "Script of the Bridge", "Strange Times", "Peel Sessions", "What Does Anything Mean? Basically"

Kitchens of Distinction - "Strange Free World", "The Death of Cool"

Editors stormed on the UK music scene in early 2005 with the single "Bullets", and haven't looked back since. The band's sound is reminiscent of Echo and the Bunnymen and Interpol (I played the CD to my 15 yr. old daughter and after 2 songs she said "hey, this sounds like Interpol", and she meant it as a compliment).

"The Back Room" (11 tracks, 43 min.) starts off with a 2'30 min. blazing "Lights", with lead singer Tom Smith proclaiming "I've Got A Million Things To Say", and boy, do they ever. Outstanding songs follow: "Munich" (the second single) is mesmerizing, "Blood" (third single) is almost danceable, in a dark kinda way. Other highlights include "All Sparks", the epic "Open Your Arms" and the closer "Distance", but there really isn't a weak track on the album. "Bullets" has just been re-released in the UK as a single, and you can just feel this band is going places.

Many have commented that this album is the UK's response to Interpol's "Turn on the Bright Lights", and I have to agree. This is a near-perfect album, drenched with urgency from beginning to end, just beautiful. It begs the question not if but when this album will find a US release and a US audience. "The Back Room" is easily one of the best albums of 2005. Highly recommended!

Look out Interpol, Editors have come out swinging. "Back Room" is a solid debut album, quite possibly one of the best albums of the year. In the past few years that has seen an uprising in post punk/nu wave band, Editors have come out and set the perfect example of how to make dark love songs that make you wanna dance.

Right of, you notice the likeness of Tom's voice to that of Ian Curtis. But once you get past that you'll notice that he has his own identity as he crafts beautiful, meaningful songs without any "nah nahs" or "hey heys". Accompanied by swirling guitars, thumping bass lines and heart pounding drums, These English blokes create music that will actually capture your attention. In my opinion, the best track is "All Sparks" which brings me back to 1985. The drums on this track and heavy and almost made me question if a live drummer was used. The lyrics, although a bit negative, are simply amazing.

In all, "Back Room" is a ray of light that has been long overdue and with I hope they're able to continue with this formula. If your a fan of Interpol, Depeche Mode or even Placebo, This is a must have for your collection.

'editors?' fortunately what editors (no article 'the') lack in a quality band name, they more than make up for on their debut album.

one of the few bands to actually produce something worthwhile in this whole questionable 'nu wave revival,' editors pack a lot more emotional wallop than nu-wave wannabes like the bravery and the killers. and editors, unlike the bravery and the killers, actually understand what it means to write a decent song. while a lot of the songs do sound reasonably similar, none of the songs come off sounding repetitive. the album is full of great basslines, jackhammer drumming, and kaleidascopic guitars.

tom's vocals are deceptively sincere and heartfelt, in a mortician sort of way. that's not to say, however, that he can't carry a melody, because he sure can--insert comparisons to paul banks, ian mcculloch and yes, ian curtis, here.

vocal queue's aside, editors really know how to write a top notch tune. 'munich' (the best track on the album, in my opinion) is a corker -- swirling guitars, deadpan (but sincere)vocals, soaring chorus and the great line 'with one hand you calm me, with one hand i'm still' and another great line 'people are fragile things you should know by now, be careful what you put them through.' it's one of the year's top singles and should get the band noticed on this side of the pond. *should* being the proverbial operative word.

'back room' is a promising debut and hopefully a sign of things to come: great vocals and lyrics, infectious hooks, solid musicianship. like most decent bands coming out of the UK, editors will, unfortunately, most likely go unnoticed outside snobby indie music circles. but when tom pronounces an edict like 'you'll speak when your spoken to' on 'munich,' one gets the feeling editors will tell YOU when to listen.

This is a great effort but for ME for buying this great album. Sure a lot of people can say that this sounds like Interpol, but then again we should say that Interpol and Editors sound like Joy Division the greatest influential band in the last 2 decades. Buy this! Is worth your money.