Review: Editors and British Sea Power at The Nick Raynes LCR

Editors (Image: Archant)

A confession. This reviewer somewhat fell out of love with Editors three albums and six years ago.

I loved their debut album, The Back Room. I'd say it dominated my CD player for a large chunk of 2005. It had energy, panache and power – and that was enhanced when on stage.

But somewhere along the line the enthusiasm waned. The second album, An End Has A Start, was purchased but barely left the case. I've ignored the previous two.

But I've been prompted out of my Editors hibernation by a combination of British Sea Power being on the bill and intrigue to see if this is a band that were undeserving of such a harsh snub. So was I wrong?

I don't mind admitting that, to a certain extent, the answer is yes.

Live, the five-piece still has more than enough to make them worth a trip out.

Lead singer Tom Smith has a fantastic soaring voice and when backed up by the shimmering guitars and pounding drums that have become the band's trademark they sound phenomenal.

The gig highlight comes early on in former single Smokers Outside The Hospital Door, a beast of a song which has the near sold-out crowd singing back at the band.

The brilliant All Sparks and Munich, from the first album, strike a familiar chord with the crowd and still retain the sound of a band with an edge.

The band's newer songs seem to have moved slightly away from the stock Editors sound, electronic keyboards playing a bigger part.

You Don't Know Love is a brilliant building song based around a striking piano chord.

There are, however, a few songs that miss the spot – in particular 2013 single A Ton Of Love, which could be a U2 album filler.

And while I maintain the best Editors songs are now several years old, there was enough on show tonight to warrant another listen to the back catalogue.

David Powles

BRITISH SEA POWER

Thirteen years on and British Sea Power retain all their oomph and passion.

Their last visit to Norwich, in April, saw the Brighton-based indie rockers storm the Waterfront as headline act.

Last night BSP were supporting The Editors – and made a slow start not helped by guitar problems for lead Jan Scott Wilkinson.

But a quick change of instrument for Jan coincided with take-off in a 45 minute set in front of some 1,200 fans – mainly people from outside the UEA complex.

My favourite track was Machineries of Joy from the recent album of the same name.

The band, with roots in the hills above Kendal, Cumbria, are much loved on the British music scene and the Norwich crowd loved tracks old and new.

No white bear prowling the stage this time but a roaring performance nonetheless.

Nigel Pickover