Editors Embrace The Dark

Editors released two strong albums so far turning them into a big venue band. Their live performances neared perfection and a big wall of dark guitar riffs and the low voice of singer Tom Smith became a familiar brand. For their third album they decided to do things differently.

Editors - In This Light And On This Evening (Ronald Says 8 out of 10)

Immediately the first second on the album reveals what's in store: dark 80s style synths and the even darker voice of Smith. They have decided that guitars aren't cool anymore and move even closer to the band they are compared with all the time to their own discomfort: Joy Division. However this comparison doesn't do them enough justice. It's true like many have mentioned in other reviews that you can hear traces of New Order, Eurythmics and even A-Ha. But that only has to do with the effect the synths create and the occiasional falsetto vocals. They have definitely created their own sound which seems darker than ever and would have been dead cold if it wasn't for Smith whose vocals add some warmth to the compositions.

Appearently they got inspiration from the recording sessions in London and the way that city looks differently on particular moments (and there's your album title). London must look very dark at certain times. The album opener and title track 'In This Light And On This Evening' sounds very threatening and slowly builds up like more songs on the album ('The Big Exit', 'Like Treasure'). Unlike 'The Boxer' and 'Walk The Fleet Road' which are gloomy songs perfectly fit for these grey rainy autumn days. First single 'Papillon' is more up tempo and is one of the stronger songs. The second half of the album is a bit less inspired than the beginning but all nine songs form a consistent whole. The only song that feels out of place is the strangely titled 'Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool' which sounds more like an 80s pop song.

Editors have taken a huge risk by taking this direction which alone is admirable for a band with their status. But they pull if off by delivering an album that definitely grows on you. It's going to be interesting to see how this will sound live with their older songs. So I'm surely looking forward to their gig in November in 013.