This new indie rock band from Birmingham, England, has just released their debut album The Back Room in the UK and in much of Europe this week. Even though it is only available on import in the US, it is well worth the $25 or so that it might cost here. As expected from the strength of their earlier dark, visceral singles 'Munich' and 'Bullets,' The Back Room is an impressive debut, which recycles some of the best classic 80's-alternative influences such as Echo & the Bunnymen, the Chameleons and, yes, Joy Division, with aggressive drums, passionate melodies, abrassive vocals, atmospheric shoegazing layered guitars, and an excitement and flare that turn them into the British answer to Interpol and make for a mesmerizing listening experience.
Editors' current single 'Blood,' with its edgy, powerful high-pitched guitar line and its wonderfully infectious, beautiful chorus "Blood runs through your veins, that's where our similarity ends," is easily their best yet, but the album includes other remarkable tracks such as the slow-burner epic 'Camera' or, most notably, the majestic and poignant 'Fall.'
