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The last time I saw Editors in Los Angeles, they were playing a sold out show at the Avalon in Hollywood. Even then I could tell that these guys were going to make it, and not just make it, but make it big. They had the look, the talent, and the charisma to become a force in the music industry. But two years later, most people still haven't heard of these guys. So what's going on?
Editors offer a harder, piercing, and energized brand of British Rock; despite the fact that they have been placed on the same aisle as Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Oasis, and other mainstream UK bands, these guys are different. Lead singer Tom Smith anchors this quartet with his dark, articulate, and booming voice, a voice that is clearly on display in their performances, and sounds ten times better live than it does on the records. Powered by the screeching guitar work of Chris Urbanowicz, and balanced by bass player Russel Leetch and drummer Ed Lay, Editors have a formidable lineup of skilled musicians that complement each other well. Paul Oakenfold and Cicada have remixed electronica versions of their songs.
This time around Editors headlined a sold out show at The Wiltern with Louis XIV and Hot Hot Heat. They played an amazing set weaving songs from their first album "The Back Room" and their latest release, "An End Has A Start". When the show opens with Smith confronting the microphone and asks "Look at us through the lens of a camera, does it remove all of our pain?" I had chills running down my spine. Tom Smith was all over the stage, whether he was on the piano, or running back and forth between his bandmates, Smith proved to everyone why he is one of the best live performers out there today. There is a sense of humility in their stage presence. Editors find that perfect balance between being active and energetic on stage without it detracting from their music.
Photos by Ryan Jesena/LAist
