This gig represented a third of the number of times ‘Editors’ have sold out Brixton this week – that’s verging on 12000 tickets and gives a good impression of how big they now are. The crowd were quite a mix...I had screaming 16 year old girls straight out of a ‘Girls aloud’ concert on my right, and introverted alternative types deep in their comparisons with ‘Joy division’ on my left. For an alternative band with quite a melancholic and certainly alternative, timeless sound they seem to be making an impression on a wide range of people.
With only their debut album ‘The Backroom’ so far to their name, we all expected a runthrough of that, but were luckily treated to a number of brand new songs, as well as a fantastic cover version of ‘We’re on the road to no-where’ by the Talking heads. The band cut quite a presence on stage, with some dazzling back and up-lighting giving clarity and energy to their wiry figures. The music really lends itself to live performance, with the drummer constantly hammering away with great intensity, and the lead guitar literally screaming over the top. Such is their sound. When you add in the haunting vocals it makes quite an ethereal combo that you cannot take your eyes off. Or maybe it was just all about the lighting. Crowd pleasers such as ‘All Sparks’ and ‘Blood’ were tossed into the set early, their distinctive opening notes calling people to their feet ( I was tragically seated upstairs). It was fantastic to see those distinctive sounds emanating from their guitars right there in front of you, and there was a very pleasing use of feedback at any opportunity.
An enormous glitter ball was wheeled out, one of those enormous white lights cast on it, and thousands of tiny shafts of reflection thrown out into crowd to intensify the spectacle for slower songs such as ‘Camera’ and ‘Fall’. Tom Smith’s rich and haunting voice got a chance to shine, and the sadness of their writing truly hitting home. He, and indeed the whole band have a sound that couldn’t be easily placed in time, which surely will set them up for longevity. It was really moving to listen to, before those screeching guitar sounds shattered the peace for ‘Munich’. Clearly a song for the sensitive, those members of the crowd sang loudly to remind their tormentors that ‘people are fragile things, you should know by now’. Smith enjoyed bending over double to sing into his anglepoised microphone stand, hugging himself tightly in self reassurance.
The new material offers more of the same, but their sound refuses to get dull when it’s delivered with such honesty and intensity. It was very well received and the new album much anticipated. I’d definitely recommend a trip to see them if you get a chance – whether you’re into their stuff or not – it’s rare sort of live experience, from a band who are ploughing their own path. Plus you really should see that guitar sing for yourself..
4.5/5
Label – Sony BMG
Offical Website: www.editorsofficial.com
Words: Mark Lees
