Editors - An End Has A Start review

Album of the week - Birmingham-band Editors have built-up a dedicated following of fans, but will their most recent work fall foul of the dreaded difficult second album syndrome?

Need to know

The indie rock foursome, led by singer songwriter Tom Smith, formed in 2003 after meeting on a Stafford University music technology course. Subsequently relocating to Birmingham, Editors released a stream of hit singles before their debut album, The Back Room, topped the UK chart and was shortlisted for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize.

This week, after storming the Glastonbury Music Festival 2007 on the weekend, the much awaited second album hits shops shelves.

Best track

You can’t fail to have heard ‘Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors’, the album’s gripping, epic opening track which serves as a poignant opening to An End has a Start. ‘Push Your Head Towards the Air’ is also worth listening out for – a touching piece full of genuine emotion.

Worst track

Although an overriding competent collection of 10 lengthy tracks, ‘When Anger Shows’ is the only real weak link, failing to bring anything to the party and letting its brethren down with almost six minutes of what might easily be confused with background noise.

One for the collection?

Compared to the likes of Joy Division, Franz Ferdinand and even Bloc Party, Editors offer a familiar sound with their own version of post-punk revival, characterised by Smith’s distinctive vocals. While An End Has a Start arguably doesn’t quite measure-up to the bands’ debut LP and does teeter on the edge of samey Coldplay droning, it’s nevertheless a heartfelt, accomplished work which should please fans old and new.

James Fryer
25 June 2007