Not to say that Editors are unoriginal, but the post-punk influences are blatantly direct. Editors don’t necessarily ape the post-punk prodigies, but instead creatively borrow their ominous lyrics, monotone vocals, dreary drums and quasi-goth guitars and throw in their Editors-approved neo-indie, which produces a very English-sounding, slowed-down dance floor vibe.
Much of Editors’ set featured new tracks from their latest release, An End Has a Start, coupled with older songs from their 2006 debut The Back Room. Given that some of Editors’ jams are a bit too mellow to completely rock out to, the energy-pumped Smith surprisingly managed to breathe life to an almost-dead crowd as the stylishly clad singer zipped across the stage and smoothly switched from guitar to piano.
Despite the slow pace of An End, Editors pulled off an electric performance, whipping out a bone-tingling version of “blood” and a fist-pumping take on “Bones.” Still Editors kept a serious tone throughout the night with the ballad-like “The Weight of the World,” and Smith’s reflective take on life and death assured listeners that “Every little piece of your life will mean something to someone.”