Editors: Dark Atmosphere on the Dance Floor

Given my fondness for cutting together video footage to shape a story, and then slipping some music in underneath, I knew I had to represent for a group called Editors (not The Editors).


The UK press (and We Are Scientists) have been raving about their debut "The Back Room," which was released on UK independent Kitchenware last year. The word in the U.S. has been a little different, with some (like Pitchfork) complaining it sounds a little too close to Interpol and Joy Division. There is no U.S. release date set, but it will be distributed by Fader.

While singer Tom Smith's voice is eerily similar to that of Interpol's Paul Banks, Editors cannot simply be written off. They paid a visit to KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" earlier today, where Nic Harcourt observed, "There is something very danceable about your music." He's right; while Editors maintain dark lyrics and an atmospheric sound, there are also pop hooks, fast guitar, and a powerful rhythm section that creates something worth dancing to. "Munich" - the only single available in the U.S. - is a perfect example of this - a pop song that never loses its dark edge. The same can be said for the catchy-as-hell "Bullets" and my personal favorite, "Fingers in the Factory."

Curious listeners in the U.S. have a little chance to form an opinion of their own, as Editors play Cinespace in Los Angeles tonight, and Popscene at 330 Ritch in San Francisco on Thursday. Friday and Saturday shows in New York are already sold out.