Editors at the Hammersmith Apollo

As the press documented, recent years have arguably been a difficult period for Editors, which included the departure of guitarist and synth player Chris Urbanowicz, and an album that failed to meet the expectations of the musical mainstream. Tonight, the stage at Hammersmith Apollo was set for the Birmingham four-piece to redeem themselves with their characteristic dark-tinged alternative rock presence.

The evening comprised of a wealthy mix of songs from their new album In Dream and selections from their previous material. Under a mysterious blue gaze, Editors opened with the solemn number No Harm from their new album. It was a chance for lead vocalist Tom Smith not only to introduce the night with his signature shadowy baritone voice, but also to put on show his astonishing falsetto range. Whirling synth melodies and a perpetuating minimal drumbeat rippled throughout the track until the band slowly galvanised a sonic crescendo intensified by further synths and driving guitar lines – and the whole effect was spellbinding.

The set proved to be a night of two polarities. The variable change in sonic momentum and palette through the show strengthened evidence of their interest for a more unique and sophisticated musical identity. It was arguably a difficult task for Editors to convince the crowd to digest Life Is a Fear, a tune that echoes the works of Joy Division and Depeche Mode, and Blood, a quintessentially post-punk groove, as though they were meant for each other. Perhaps to avoid the fact that their new material threatens to renounce their guitar-centric past, the band throw in plentiful guitar-laden anthems in order to keep their dedicated fans beside them, including An End Has a Start and A Ton of Love.

Things took a different turn in the second half as technical issues with the audio system halted play for a longer time than anticipated, much to the disappointment of the crowd. As things eventually got sorted, the band made up for the setback with a voltage charged performance of their ever popular hit Munich, and the high-octane Papillon and Marching Orders to round off the chaotic night.

Despite the technical mishap ruining the party, tonight signified that Editors have turned over a new leaf and they are back on their own feet. They saw the chance to present their new musical angle, and immersed the packed audience in an atmosphere that was dark and energetic in similar proportion.

Isaku Takahashi
Photos: Adrian Dusman

For further information about Editors and future events visit here.

Watch the video for No Harm here: