[Overdue] Discovery: EDITORS

I always assumed that Editors were just a poor man's Interpol (in the same way I strongly believe that Muse is just a poor man's Radiohead and thus refuse to listen to anything by Muse). Because of this egregious assumption, I disregarded any and all Editors' tracks I briefly came into contact with. However, I have come to seriously regret my ignorance. In the past two days, I heard "Smokers Outside the Hospital Door" on KEXP twice. It was a sign. It was a sign that I must give Editors a chance. And I did.

And what I discovered was that they are a carbon copy of Interpol, except in a good way. They do the morbid and moody tones, except with a bit more English flair. The voice of Editors lead-singer Tom Smith could be mistaken for that of Paul Banks (lead singer of Interpol), except who doesn’t love a singer who embraces the fact he can express emotion through monotone vocals. Still, that is no reason to disregard their music all together. They are a tight band that rocks out through each song.

As a band, Editors have been around since 2002 and hail from Stafford, England. They have released two albums, “The Back Room” in 2005 and “An End Has A Start” in 2007. The title track off the latter album does not miss a beat and is reminiscent of Interpol’s “Slow Hands.” Currently, the band is working on a third album, which promises to be influenced by “scores composed by the man behind The Terminator soundtracks, Brad Fiedel, as well as the expected Depeche Mode, Talking Heads-type art rock,” according to this article from the UK's XFM.

The similarities can basically be attributed to the way both bands present their lyrics in a monotone yet emotional way. The guitars riffs are as important as the lyrics. This band has style. This band has grace. This band is one of my new favorites.


For more information check out their...

• Official Website
• Myspace

And here are some MP3s for your listening pleasure...

• "Munich" from "The Back Room"
• "An End Has a Start" from "An End Has a Start"