This new single by Editors is quite an unexpected choice. When you think of Editors, you think searingly huge songs which surround and almost drown you in sound. However, this new single is somewhat subtler in sound (perhaps a deliberate choice to prove that Editors are more about the music than making money, as they have recently declared).
The music is toned down; the piano and guitar are not as overpowering as in their previous singles from An End Has A Start, but nevertheless this song holds an intensity and a passion. Lead singer Tom Smith’s voice echoes out above the soft intro, but is gradually more overwhelmed by the music surrounding it. The marching drums which then enter into the mix become steadily louder and more dramatic, giving the impression that at any moment the song is going to burst out, which it inevitably does.
This song has a sadness to it, despite the fact its chorus holds an element of determined, almost desperate hope. It holds a cynicism about humanity, despairing at the inevitable march toward death; no matter how much someone loves you they can’t save you. It is truly beautiful.
by Rachel Williams
Single review: Editors : Push Your Head Toward The Air
