The Editors first garnered attention in early 2005 with the release of their singles, which preceded their debut album, The Back Room, which garnered a prestigious Mercury Music Prize nomination. The four-man band from Birmingham is frequently compared to Joy Division and Interpol. This is rock music in the traditional sense: dark, insistent melodies, technically proficient dueling guitar work, and a lead singer that can actually sing and does so in a commanding lower register.
Opening track “Lights” quickly launches into the song without much build up, establishing what this band is all about. It’s got a rawness to it, despite a fairly polished production value, consistent throughout the entire album. Second track “Munich,” is quick and insistent with great guitar effects. It was the band’s first (and so far only) top 10 single. “Bullets” exhibits a similar sense of darkness and speed. Next to “Munich,” my favorite track is “All Sparks,” which features particularly good vocals from frontman Tom Smith, showing a broad range and genuine emotion.
“Camera” takes a slower tack than the disc’s opening numbers, slowly building in grandeur. There’s even some Killers-esque keyboards in the bridge. In keeping with the Killers comparison, “Fingers in the Factories” harkens back to the ‘80s New Wave sound, but unlike the Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Tom Smith has the vocal chops to match with the song even at its most demanding moments.
The band’s power surges forward on “Bullets,” the band’s first single. “You don’t need this disease” sings Smith in quick repetition over layers of guitars and drums. “Someone Says” is similar to “All Sparks,” with its softer verses and harder drum staccato choruses. Comparably gentle “Distance” closes the album with guitar reverb, programmed percussion, and slow, haunting vocals. The Back Room is a very satisfying work of serious rock.
2 comments:
This album is pretty good. I forgot to put it in my tier system.
I'm glad you like it!
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