Editors
An End Has A Start
Red Label


Fans of Editors debut album 'The Back Room' are likely to be stoked with the group's sophomore effort, 'An End Has A Start'. Editors have not shaken up their winning formula too much; it seems the aim of this album was just to stretch it a little in all the right ways. The Interpol comparison remains unavoidable, and although they are beginning to carve out a more distinctive sound of their own, it is interesting that like Interpol's second album ('Antics') Editors' sound has become slower, grander and more anthemic. Probably the most striking feature throughout the album is the development of Chris Urbanowicz's guitaring; the significantly bigger sound of his guitars shines as a real highlight.

Unfortunately the lyrics are more noticeably naff. The urgent rock of Bones would be so much cooler if it was not for the ludicrous opening statement that "how can you always be late for your arrival?" Maybe Tom Smith is being an overly dramatic goth poet but the concept that "every little piece of your life will mean something to someone" just sounds wanky and stupid to me (Weight Of The World).

However ignoring the lyrics, 'An End Has A Start' is a terribly likeable release. Spiders begins with a mandolin and Smith's lush baritone but then takes an abrupt turn past any of Editors' previous attempts at 'dark disco' and into an unexpected meshing of the swagger of a cute pop beat with searing guitars. Well Worn Hand is Editors' quietest moment, this stripped back piano/guitar number reminiscent of a Nick Cave ballad. The Muse-like mix of apocalyptic metaphors and massive guitars sees Escape The Nest blasting from the pack as one of the most powerful songs on this (musically) well-rounded album.

'An End Has A Start' may not rewrite music history, but I'm sure this album will keep Editors fans happy and will win them plenty more.

Scott Berry