Editors are a formulaic enough band that sit quite nicely in the Snow Patrol mould. This was the third time I had seen the band play live this summer and I have to admit they're growing on me. The full effect of their performance was lost on The Other Stage at Glastonbury but seemed to fit Leeds' Radio 1/NME stage quite nicely.
Editors compose quietly assuming rock songs that are both intelligent and beautifully crafted. There are strong similarities between Joy Division and Echo and the Bunnymen - but the most distinct comparison has to be Morrisey. It's a bit of a coincidence that the lead singer goes by the name Tom Smith when his vocals lie so close to Morrisey's old band The Smiths.
Watching Editors live is deeply atmospheric and the strength of their songs has a way of gripping the audience. Debut single 'Bullets' has the thumping drum beat of Doves' 'Pounding' and combines it with progressive guitar that reminds me a great deal of early Feeder.
'Munich', the second single from Editor’s critically acclaimed 'The Back Room' is their most popular track, denting the top 20 of the UK Charts. The Joy Division similarities are overwhelming and this song has all the components of 'Love will tear us apart'.
'Blood' has a stompier beat and plays in the same vein as a lot of Bloc Party's material. The real strength with 'Blood' is concealed within the fantastic chorus that is lost on record but amplified in the Radio 1/NME tent sounds brilliant.
'Camera' borrows heavily from Snow Patrol and is where Editors achieve true perfection. Much like Snow Patrol Editors know how to let a song progress and flourish. 'Camera' is Editor's 'Run'. All in all an outstanding set from a band that have reached artistic maturity way before their time.
Leeds Festival 
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