Amazing album. Very powerful. And a good fun listen. (The Back Room - Editors)

Member Name: AlfredAskew

Product:	The Back Room - Editors
Date:	09/04/08 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Strong beats, powerful vocals, catchy, fun, meaningful songs.

Disadvantages: Sometimes the slow songs sound a bit... forced.

What a fantastic album from a fantastic band.
Editors has a knack for linking good beats with rich, ringing guitar riffs, and lovely vocals.
The drums (Ed Lay) really define the sound of this album in my opinion, bringing the songs together with a heart-beat-like sound. Though I have to give praise to the lead singer (Tom Smith) for his beautiful baritone. In such heavy minor-keyed songs, a good many bands fall into whining out notes. Smith's voice is rich, and seems to compliment the songs, not overpower them. I'm glad though, that he hasn't gone into falsetto since this album. Not my favorite moment of the album.
Lyrics are generally simplistic, almost anthem like. Which lent them all the more power. "Bullets" really sticks out in that. The chorus is simply a repeating "you don't need this disease", it's so insistent... as if the narrator needed to persuade himself of this.

Mixing is raw on the guitars, but without too much whine. Which I love. Nothing kills a mood more than a country twang for me. The drums are nice and round sounding, and the cymbals and high hat are lovely and understated. I personally would like to cut some reverb off the vocals though. It's not distracting though.

Amazing album.

Summary: A fantastic album. Definitely worth a listen.