Editors - The Back Room
By: Patrick Vu | Category: Album Reviews | 10/04/05 | 11:50 PM
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 Grade: A- |
Genre: Progressive Rock
Summary: The sparse verses are down right tame, but when flowing through Tom Smith's pipes they seem more profound than if one were to read them off a lyric sheet.
Still waiting for the Killers to trump their immensely successful Hot Fuss, or is Franz Ferdinand's latest, You could Have It So Much Better, not enough? Editors are the latest British export to play their hand at the synthesized post-modern punk rock movement with their debut, The Back Room. Originally dubbed Snowfield, singer/guitarist Tom Smith, lead guitarist Chris Urbanowicz, bassist Russell Leetch, and drummer Ed Lay, are energetic upstarts who have crafted a crisp production of haunting melodies and tireless aggression. This is an indie band with real mainstream flare and are apt to take over the world...or atleast your iPod. |
Yes, Interpol and New Order do come to mind and are inevitable if not unfair benchmarks by which Editors are compared. However, the foursome isn't here to ride the coat-tails of these established bands. Their success may be hitched on the current punk rock movement, but these Brits from Birmingham are quietly flying in under the radar and are poised to turn things upside down.
Editors aren't flashy nor pretentious. Their simple, straightforward lyrics cling themselves to your psyche and are mindful of the 80's Brit Rock era that have helped to mold their sound. The opener "Lights" kicks off the album and creates feelings of nostalgia as if you're back in the days of early Cure. Editors insist they have "a millions things to say," but need not say anything because the music does it for them.
"Munich" has you agreeing with the opening lines, "I'm so glad I've found this / I'm so glad I did." If you've been looking for a new favorite artist, The Back Room is great find and addition to your changer. They are relatively one of the best-kept secrets thus far but could soon have their mugs plastered all over music journals alike.
Their trademark sound is found in the guitar work of Chris Urbanowicz. From the decelerated "Fall" to the expansive "Camera," it's his strum across the six strings that are as recognizable as Tom Smith's voice. Like U2's the edge, it's the one ingredient that completes Editors' sonic supremacy and if absent, would be damaging to the unit as a whole.
The bests are saved for last as standouts "Open Your Arms" and "Distance" close out The Back Room with lullaby melodies over wide-eyed resilience. They don't quite match the pace of the album, but are able to surpass the previous tracks with breaks in tempo and that soaring guitar technique that we like so much.
Though the lyrical composition isn't anything to sneeze at, what may seem like a weakness is actually a strength for Editors. The sparse verses are down right tame, but when flowing through Tom Smith's pipes they seem more profound than if one were to read them off a lyric sheet. From the voice to the riffs to the slick production, The Back Room is a must have and could be the find of the year. Definitely give them a listen. You'll be glad you found this.
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