Editors @ The Vic
February 1st, 2008Honestly, when I first heard Editors I didn’t think much of them. I thought they sounded a lot like Interpol, who sounds a lot like Joy Division, and their guitar hooks had the spirit of early U2. But I went and saw them anyway, and I was quickly hooked. Editors’ live show never disappoints, and tonight’s show was no exception.
The first opener of the evening was Hot Hot Heat, who for whatever reason I just can’t get into. Their songs all sound awfully similar, which I suppose isn’t such a bad thing if you like one of their songs. About midway through the set I realized that I had seen Hot Hot Heat before, at the Q101 Block Party. But the memory was dim and faded because of the unusually good fortune of drinking for free all that night. But all in all, Hot Hot Heat was fine as an opener tonight, if not particularly memorable.
Louis XIV, the second opener of the evening was more entertaining, but paled in comparison to their performance I previously witnessed at the Metro. That show was over the top theatrics — pointing at the crowd, leg kicks and the works. This set was awfully subdued, and even included a small string section. I suspect they’re trying to bring a bit of the Arcade Fire sense of sophistication to their music with mixed results.
But the main event was Editors, and they lived up the expectations of the sold out crowd. The crowd was a bit less enthusiastic than I would have expected, but it didn’t seem to affect their set. With most bands there’s a song or two in the set where you don’t feel like you’re missing much by getting a round of drinks or using the restroom. During those kinds of mid-set duds, I frequently check my e-mail on my phone. But that’s not the case with this band, there wasn’t a weak song in the bunch.