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Rating:
THE REVIEW
I'll get straight to the point: this is really beautiful.
Yes, because with this second album, the aforementioned Editors manage to engage in something more, musically, compared to their previous effort, but especially in comparison to other exponents of a musical genre that too often tends towards homogenization and repetition.
Instead, maturity is found, but with evolutionary potential, greater compositional attention, a new "epicness" in the singing and themes. Abandoning inconvenient and now languid "cousins" (see Interpol) to arduous paths of necessary renewal, the Editors carve out a precise and autonomous role in the musical landscape of the New-New Wave, if we really want to categorize; their gift is being able to convey emotions with an immediate and direct musical approach, yet never banal.
And perhaps some riffs sound similar across various songs.
And perhaps the effects on the instruments are more or less always the same.
But the melodies are robust and intense, of depth.
Uncomfortable themes: illness first and foremost; human annihilation at the arrival of manifestations of the time now past; the fall of body and spirit.
This is evident in the lyrics of the first track of the album, the wonderful "Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors", where the thought of sadness takes free rein when seeing a person ("smoker"? not necessarily), outside the hospital room door, waiting for news of an unfortunate loved one.
Or the pulsating TRACKLIST "An End Has A Start", where perhaps the same person promises the loved one not to disappoint them in support.
The anguish of losing a loved one turns into a self-destructive instinct in the song "The Racing Rats", in which a protagonist, now drunk, watches street rats chase each other to distract himself and aims to race with them.
Other episodes like "Escape The Nest" or "Spiders" are not forgotten.
More than convincing.
Mature.
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Summary by Bot
Editors' second album 'An End Has a Start' showcases significant musical growth and emotional depth. It stands out in the New Wave scene with robust melodies and compelling lyrics tackling themes like illness and loss. Though some instrument effects and riffs repeat, the album remains far from banal, offering evolutionary potential and mature artistry. Key tracks include 'Smokers Outside The Hospital Doors' and 'The Racing Rats.'Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Editors
Editors are an English rock band from Birmingham, frequently associated with post-punk revival and later synth-driven rock. DeBaser reviewers focus on their early dark, guitar-led records, their electronic shift on the third album, and a recurring debate about strong influences versus a search for a distinct identity.18 Reviews
Other reviews
By tomgil
When Anger Shows is the best track on the entire album, a perfect marriage between an inspired and melancholic melody and an engaging and fitting rock chorus.
The last track, Well Worn Hand, is two minutes of pure poetry with Smith’s voice accompanied only by piano and a slow, dreamy guitar.
By Mopaga
It’s a real shame to note that this band’s ideas are trapped in exaggerated and overused stereotypes.
‘An End Has A Start’ resembles ‘The Back Room’ which refers to Interpol’s style who are inspired by Joy Division, completing, with a bit of regret, the puzzle of references and similarities.
By popoloitaliano
"Editors are emerging new-wavers seeking success: I doubt they'll achieve it with this album!"
"When Anger Shows, the best of the album... it simply doesn't exist that they mimic Arcade Fire."
By Taurus
"An anthem of joy that explodes into a delightful chorus."
"An otherwise heterogeneous album in which each song is suited to be listened to at different times of the day."
