Editors recording 'sci-fi' album

By Damian Jones
6 Music News reporter

Editors worked with U2 producer Flood on their new record

Birmingham band Editors have penned a sci-fi influenced synth-driven third album, according to frontman Tom Smith.

The singer said the new record, In This Light and On This Evening, is a departure from debut The Back Room and 2007 follow-up, An End Has a Start.

"It is different from our previous records, there are things it has in common with the first album."

Smith added: "I see both those records as a progression from the last. This one isn't."

The band have roped in Mark Ellis, aka Flood, who has previously worked with U2 and The Killers, to produce their third LP.

There’s quite a groove on the record and I think that comes across well live Editors bassist Russell Leetch

Smith said he had helped the band move in a more experimental direction.

"Most of it was recorded live even though it's a lot more electronic," he explained of the LP which was influenced by sci-fi classics such as Bladerunner and Terminator.

"It sounds like us trying to tame these machines and hopefully it doesn't sound clinical and emotionless like a lot of electronic records do. Hopefully it's warm and breathing."

Bassist Russell Leetch added: "There’s quite a groove on the record and I think that comes across well live."

Tracks slated to appear on the record, which is released on 12 October, include Bricks and Mortar, The Big Exit, Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool and Papillon, which will be the first single.

The band will showcase songs from In This Light and On This Evening, in their hometown at the newly opened Birmingham O2 Academy before heading out on a 15 date tour of the UK in October.

To hear the full interview tune in to The Music Week on 6 Music.