Most months lately have been a frustrating exercise in trying to re- articulate the same message; not much is going on in the public world of Editors. Note that I said the public world, because that's the one we're allowed access to. If we saw the private world of the band I would guess it would be a mixture of unrelenting routine, obligations, stress, problem solving (especially in the era of global shutdowns) and maybe even some self-doubt here and there. However, right at the very core would be the joy of creating music and playing it with and for other people, occasionally in places you've never seen before. So while we could perceive Editors' absence on social media as being an indicator of life having grown static, it's more likely to be suggestive of a band in preparation and guiding their attention to more pressing matters.
I actually think that glimpsing the private activities of the band would likely give you the kind of angst you could occupy a lifetime wishing you didn't possess. Imagine all of the plans that were made but then abandoned that we've never known about? Things that would have fans enraptured but, for whatever reason, were discarded as ongoing concerns for Editors. Don't believe me? Alright then, here's a quick question for you.
How did you react to finding out there was a collection of recordings for Editors' fourth album featuring Chris, which was overseen by Flood and that you'll probably never hear?
Torture. Now, if only you didn't know...
My stance on behind-the-scenes preparation was further cemented by a post from Tom on the 20th of September. It came to us about 13 weeks after he last shared anything online, and what felt like an age removed from that brief, glorious time that lasted until April 2021 when he was performing impromptu acoustic songs online. Rather than directly addressing the ever curious, voracious fanbase directly he shared a picture of his beloved pooch with the caption "River waiting for mixes". Which instantly gave us an update of where things are right now. The positives are that Editors' 7th long playing record is a contemporary concern, and that River is involved in the mixes...probably the "ruff" ones (sorry, couldn't resist it). The negatives are that we still know next to nothing about...well, anything really. We were also given two shots of a beardless Tom who proclaimed himself to be bored (see above), which could be a confirmation that he's just as itchy to get busy as the rest of us are. I am so, so keen to learn what the post greatest hits version of Editors looks and sounds like.
Speaking of Black Gold and the suspended/abandoned tour that accompanied it, I wonder how that era of the band is going to be viewed as we progress? Is it forever to remain as an unfinished celebration that they're owed, or are they going to adhere to the principles that got them there in the first place and just focus on their future, reluctantly letting it fall into history in the interests of welcoming in the future? That's the thing about empty silence, it allows questions and doubts to breed.
There was a small 3FM interview with Tom on the 19th of September during which we learned...not a lot. Still, it's always nice to check in with Mr Smith and you can do that here.
Before I go, I take back everything I said about learning of the existence of those Flood recordings featuring Chris. It's masochistic, but I'm glad I know they're in the world. That they are gives Editors a Holy Grail artifact all of their very own, one which will forever torment me as a fan with the undelivered promise of being available to hear some time. I've grieved that reality, even if I keep a (black) candle lit for it's eventual revelation.
Enjoy the memorabilia from September.
Editors Instagram - September 2021
For all of Editors' previous Instagram posts, go here.
brought to you with lots and lots of lemming-love :) x
