ALBUM: Editors 'In Dream' - GigslutzGigslutz

Rating:

To be an editor is to be precise, accurate, and selective; delivering a polished result at the end of a project. This is what English rock/alternative band Editors have been accomplishing since their formation in 2002 – and with the release of new album, In Dream – it’s clear the band haven’t lost their ability to deliver shining new material.

Editors’ songs are easily recognisable for their “dark indie rock” style – demonstrated on singles like ‘Blood’, ‘Munich’, ‘Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors’ and ‘Papillion’ – but Tom Smith, Russell Leetch, Ed Lay, Justin Lockey, and Elliott Williams have taken a lighter approach to song-writing on In Dream.

Lacking the former cynicism/darkness of previous Editors efforts, In Dream is a trance-inducing record which will ease listeners in to a state of sleep purgatory – torn between rapid eye movement, and peaceful rest. Opener ‘No Harm’ is slow and hypnotic, with Smith’s careful vocals contemplating “the fever I feel, the fake and the real”.

‘Ocean Of Night’ begins with piano and drums, and asks listeners to embrace “the slow dance” as the track steadily builds in volume, and female vocals are introduced. ‘Forgiveness’ sees Editors deliver more of their interesting and ambiguous lyrics: “the line in the sand ain’t drawn for everyone”.

‘Salvation’ opens with divine, string-style synths before Smith states “son, you were made to suffer”. The song’s chorus bursts in to life, providing listeners with the necessary cathartic ‘Salvation’. The changes in volume make this a memorable track on the album, and this will translate well when played live.

‘Life Is a Fear’, ‘Our Love’, and ‘All The Kings’ contain thumping synths and mantra-like lyrics, but the stand-out track is undoubtedly ‘The Law’. The combination of unsettling synths, Smith’s smooth yet sinister vocals, and the whispery voice of guest vocalist Rachel Goswell (Slowdive) will have listeners repeating “what are you drinking, can I get some?”.

‘Marching Orders’ closes the album, and is a modest, thoughtful track. Smith’s fluid vocals recognise: “There’s the makings of a dreamer in you”, before submitting himself to the elements: “I will fall with the rain, I will flicker with the flame”. Guitar, synths, and piano ring out in anthemic fashion, and close the record on a triumphant note.

In the past, Editors have been compared to post-punk bands such as Interpol and Joy Division. Whilst there are obvious similarities in sound, Editors are strong enough to step out of the (complimentary) shadow of these great bands, and deserve the success that their fifth studio album will inevitably bring them.

In Dream is released on October 2nd via Play It Again Sam.