Editors - The Back Room (2005)

Reviewby MacKenzie WilsonBefore issuing their debut, The Back Room, in August 2005, Editors were immediately compared to the dark, brooding sounds of Interpol as well as the post-punk brashness of Echo & the Bunnymen. Singles such as "Blood" and "Bullets" quickly put Editors in the elite crowd of those to watch that year. The band -- Tom Smith (vocals/guitar), Chris Urbanowicz (guitar), Russell Leetch (bass), and Ed Lay(drums) -- compose a tight rock sound that's both raw and defined,particularly on album opener "Lights." Editors are anxious, frantic,and passionate, and the album is done with taste from the start. Smith is vocally passionate without being too steely, unlike Interpol frontman Paul Banks,as he exclaims, "I've got a million things to say," while his bandmatesadd to the song's rushing intensity. From there, the blistering"Munich" and the more luxurious, danceable "Blood" are the standoutmoments of this 11-song set. "Munich" is one of The Back Room's especially stylish numbers, thanks to the matching guitar work of both Smith and Urbanowicz. The surging storm that is "Bullets" is further proof that from the first note, The Back Roomlunges at you with a dynamic that's fierce, wiry, and slightlyfashionable. Alternative rock hasn't seen anything like this since therelease of Turn on the Bright Lights. [The UK album release also includes the Cuttings EP on bonus disc].

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