From a cathartic and self-conscious mix of Interpol and Echo & The Bunneymen, Editors introduce an element of confrontational electronica which re-imagines their music as an endurance test. The title track, for example, is set “Down the streets paved with souls”. This new approach is thanks to Blanck Mass and his liking for eardrum-busting electronic ferocity.
Odd then that ‘Darkness At The Door’ adds an unexpected kind of tweeness even though the lyrics reflect ambiguous takes on deep cynicism. Most of the record contains breezy excursions to all ends of melody and enigmatic aloofness. First single ‘Magazine’ could easily be Perfume Genius with an unhealthy liking for latter day Depeche Mode.
As expected, a song like ‘Nothingness’ reveals no surprises. “I’m not mining for gold but insecurity,” Smith sings before resolving that “This angel needs some tenderness,” – which provides some much needed colour. Editors still manage to combine a range of influences into something arresting and new, but the truism of “This road will not go on forever,” is revealing.
The sequence of songs lacks some logic, but taken in totality Violence contains enough rewarding moments for those who still believe.
7.5
