Editors
[#] The Back Room (2005)
Finding a way out of the shadows.
Reviewed June 2, 2025
It's not about what you do, it's how you do it. Editors come barreling out of the gate with this pounding, completely confident, consistently catchy batch of dark indie rock tunes nestled lyrically at the cross-section of human nature ("Munich"), futility ("All Sparks"), working class life ("Fingers in the Factories"), and neurosis ("Bullets"), and the focus is instead on all those 80s bands that they sound a bit like. Is it kinda Depeche Mode-y, a bit Joy Division-y? Sure, whatever. None of that matters. This is a huge record, and these eleven tunes make a wrecking ball impression where you find new crannies to get lost in each play.
"People are fragile things/You should know by now/Be careful what you put them through", goes "Munich". Tom Smith's booming baritone has this way of delivering what could easily turn into gooey melodrama with stark conviction, and you believe him too. Probably helps that, despite the sober lyricism, he's actually rather on the optimistic side. See how penultimate ballad "Open Your Arms" builds from monochrome toms and cold, buzzing guitars to crashing, colorful fireworks in its six minutes. "This lot have messed you around", there's no denying that, but stay open and let people get close to you, because it's a long way down with your head down.
| Essential: | "Blood", "All Sparks", "Open Your Arms" |
|---|---|
| Quintessential: | "Munich" |
| Non-Essential: | "Camera" |
| Rating: |  |