Listen: In This Light and On This Evening by Editors
Sometimes I’m completely caught off-guard by the presence of a new album by a favorite band. After listening to SiriusXM’s XMU the other day, I found myself in this position. The band was Editors and the album was titled In This Light and On This Evening.
More surprising was the song that brought me to the new album realization, “Papillon.” Opening with a menacing synth and snappy drum machine, the song sounds as far from “Munich” as one could expect within the range of the same band. Tom Smith is just as monotone as ever as lead singer, but his vocals now seems to seethe and threaten. This is not “Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors,” good sirs. This is a whole new beast.
After downloading the rest of the tracks, I was further surprised and delighted by the Kraftwerk meets Joy Division nature of the album. The title track is stark. Maybe even with a capital “s.” My absolute favorite at this early stage of acquaintance is far and away “The Big Exit.” Creeptastic. The Blade Runner synth is impeccable and if it doesn’t end up with a Noir video, I’m going to be surprised.
“Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool” will bridge the gap between what Editors has become and the material that made their name. And, for those less in favor of dramatic change, “Bricks and Mortar” should make you feel sonically safe.
Welcome back Editors. Glad to have bumped in to you.