‘In Dream’ is the fifth studio album from the British indie band and one that sees them creating their first self-produced record. Like most bands that have made a similar choice, this is usually a signal of a mature band that’s comfortable in its own skin and that have grown to in their abilities…
This is something hinted at by frontman Tom Smith who, when speaking about the new album to XFM back in July said, “music can be both Pop and Experimental”. Experimenting is always a good thing as it leads to new ideas and progression, but the trick is to not stray too far from what has built you your success. There always has been (and probably always will be) something to be said for your basic verse-chorus-verse-chorus pop song and many an artist or band have been criticised for wandering too far from this tried and tested method. So have Editors managed to navigate this precarious concept with a record that ticks all the boxes?
Editors return with their fifth studio album, ‘In Dream’.
Opening track and first single “No Harm” is an ethereal and slowly pulsating tune that puts one in mind of an 80s film soundtracks, but in a very good way with the synths tingling down your spine. “Ocean Of Night” picks up the pace and has a keen foot-tapping melody that stays with you even after the album has finished. It’s pretty catchy and I can see the crowds clapping and singing along at the bands future gigs.
“Forgiveness” comes next with its straight ahead rhythm and is followed by “Salvation” with its jagged strings, floating synths and atmospheric vocals. Into the middle of the album, “Life Is A Fear” invokes elements of new-romantic influences and is followed by “The Law” with its slow electronic rhythm and calm, light vocals. “Our Love” has Smith falsetto singing through another tune cut out of the new-romantic era and “All The Kings” sticks with this.
Penultimate track “At All Cost” sees the band move back to their slow, atmospheric leanings with just synths and guitars supporting the vocals. Final track “Marching Orders” is seven and a half minutes and is more of an upbeat track, which still heavily utilises the ethereal, floating template from before but with more of a straight ahead rhythm and melody.
At only ten tracks it’s not a very long album, though most of the tunes are on the longer side of five minutes or so. ‘In Dream’ works best in the slow tracks, which stir the emotions and bathe you in wonderful chilled melodies. There’s perhaps a little too much darkness in the general feel of the album for those who are traditional pop fans (but is probably something you’re used to if you’re an Editors fan), but for those looking for something different from the norm it gives out an individuality that is sorely lacking in many modern artists. You might not always be looking for something deep and meaningful when your hi-fi system is blasting away but when you do you’ll be reaching for ‘In Dream’.
Rating: 8/10
Author – Steve, Bristol store
We’ll be playing ‘In Dream’ in our stores from October 2nd, why not pop in for a listen on a fantastic hi-fi system.
