Editors

“The Back Room” (Fader)

Sounds Like: The Killers, Keane, The Envy Corps

REVIEW: 2.5 / 5

In short: The band sounds like a British photocopy of the Killers, complete with Brandon Flowers-style crooning, only slightly less annoying and a little more charming.

Musical trends come and go, alongside everything else pop culture. In my time I have seen – and regrettably enjoyed – Fred Durst-infused nu-metal, Creed-influenced new-rock, Linkin Park rap-core and most recently the full-blown radio assault of bands mimicking ’80s Brit Rock.

In the wake of Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, indie bands are scrambling for a slice of the warm, flaky success pie.

Editors has garnered more success than many of its peers, getting attention for singles “Munich” and “Bullets.”

Singer Tom Smith has been gifted with the ability to sound both debonair and tortured at the same time.

Although not as well groomed as The Killers, Editors makes up for its lack of eyeliner with a British charm that permeates throughout its hit singles.

The album as a whole is somewhat lacking, and some of the songs have awkward transitions. The album is drenched in urgency from beginning to end, employing a dark “dancability” that acts as its redeeming grace.

Lyrical statements remain powerful despite vocals that sometimes feel monotonous. Editors doesn’t live up to all the hype surrounding its pre-release, but its album will still be a hit with fans of the genre.

– Dan McClanahan