The Back Room
by Editors
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 112
  3. Negative: 3 out of 112

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  1. JamesM
    Sep 27, 2005
    8
    Please don't buy this album expecting to hear anything original. Interpol are the most obvious reference and anyone who likes them will get on with Editors. All Sparks is almost the sound of an Interpol tribute band! A few low points but at least 5 or 6 belting tracks probably the best being the anthemic (almost U2 like) 'Bullets.' Top live band as well.
  2. MattD
    Sep 3, 2005
    8
    Great album, which grows on you with each play. Some of the tracks do have a feeling that they may have been rushed, but excellent for a debut
  3. DJ
    Apr 8, 2007
    10
    Truly beautiful record by this band. They dp everything right and the end product is truly mesmerizing and uplifting. One of the best albums in the last 10 years, which is saying alot.
  4. Steve
    Aug 19, 2005
    10
    This is no Interpol copy. I appreciate Interpol for what they do, but honestly there is no magic to their music, sometimes I think they're quite dull. On the other hand, when I first heard this album it blew me away. This band is special. I am very picky and these days I feel most bands have no quality to them. I get bored listening to the same thing over and over again, even though This is no Interpol copy. I appreciate Interpol for what they do, but honestly there is no magic to their music, sometimes I think they're quite dull. On the other hand, when I first heard this album it blew me away. This band is special. I am very picky and these days I feel most bands have no quality to them. I get bored listening to the same thing over and over again, even though I may have only heard it for the first time. I didn't feel this way with Editors. If anyone deserves the honor of being dubbed a new Joy Division band, Editors do it proudly.… Expand
  5. MusicMaven
    Sep 7, 2005
    8
    Yes, at times they sound like Joy Division. And other post-punk bands too. There seem to be a lot of bands sporting similar influences lately. But I rather like that kind of sound, and Editors are among the cream of the crop. If you like Interpol, definitely check this out as well. Search out the 2CD limited edition if you can -- the 6 extra songs are worth it!
  6. Edgar
    Apr 30, 2007
    10
    Truly spectacular!
  7. kayt
    May 17, 2006
    10
    editors are brilliant musicians & lyricists. the sensual & dark tracks are much more complex & haunting than many of the current 'new retro' groups. the constant comparison of editors to joy division are uninspired &, frankly, far too simple. in terms of rhythm, excitement, & emotion, the editors are consistently passionate track after track. what's more, the singer's editors are brilliant musicians & lyricists. the sensual & dark tracks are much more complex & haunting than many of the current 'new retro' groups. the constant comparison of editors to joy division are uninspired &, frankly, far too simple. in terms of rhythm, excitement, & emotion, the editors are consistently passionate track after track. what's more, the singer's voice is rich & haunting (think peter murphy, dead can dance, depeche mode). truly a bloody amazing group well-worth the listen & the accolades.… Expand
  8. DanilioL
    Feb 3, 2006
    4
    Anyone who said Interpol ripped of Joy Division will have a field day with Editors. The lead vocalist is actually trying to sound like Ian Curtis, without effect. Interpol haters, Editors are the band you should be slagging off
  9. BenJ
    Aug 12, 2005
    3
    Rather than trying to copy Joy Division then seem happier aping Interpol. Altogether, a very poor cliched record.
  10. KreshnakKrake
    Aug 15, 2005
    2
    It's a great pity that Editors try to copy Interpol this bad. I think a band should have it's own style. And i'm pretty sure Editors would be creative and inspiring if they would try to develop their own style. But they don't. Too bad. This band doesn't inspire me at all.
  11. BLJay
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    The best British album since the Stone Roses brilliant debut.
  12. MarkR
    Dec 3, 2005
    8
    The Back Room strikes the middle-ground between Turn on the Bright Lights and Antics
  13. sirtoli
    Oct 29, 2005
    10
    very great
  14. Ralph
    Oct 5, 2005
    8
    Great album. Echo and the Bunnymen seems to me the most clear influence but who cares if it's better or worst as long as it pleases some of us...
  15. BertR
    Aug 12, 2005
    9
    A true grower. take your time. When In doubt: listen to 'munich' and 'fall'... a fine album.
  16. Joris
    Sep 9, 2005
    8
    J C I agree partly with Kreshnak, of course Interpol is what Joy Division would be in 2005, and echo and the bunnymen isn't a bad comparison at all too... but imho I can't deny that in a period that Interpol is a hype, a band that sounds exactly and I mean EXACTLY the same becomes a bit embarrasing. However you get over it eventually and when your open-minded enough you find a J C I agree partly with Kreshnak, of course Interpol is what Joy Division would be in 2005, and echo and the bunnymen isn't a bad comparison at all too... but imho I can't deny that in a period that Interpol is a hype, a band that sounds exactly and I mean EXACTLY the same becomes a bit embarrasing. However you get over it eventually and when your open-minded enough you find a good cd with some very VERY strong songs like Bullets and Lights. Still Antics is better and Turn on the bright lights the best of Interpols trilogy ;-)… Expand
  17. MeyaC.
    Mar 24, 2006
    8
    This is pretty good. It's dark but fun, but i'm not so sure if i'd remain a fan.
  18. JamesL
    Apr 4, 2006
    7
    Its good i realy only like the songs munich and Fingers in the Factiories.
  19. Brendan
    May 2, 2006
    6
    I'll admit, I've caught heavily onto the recycled rock genre. You know, the one filled to the brim with countless glacial guitar arcs and songs about being frigid or the natural progression of time that comes off as pure pretention. However, when a band distinctly sounds like a band notorious for being a band-within-a-band, an amalgam of 80s post-punk influences and revivalist I'll admit, I've caught heavily onto the recycled rock genre. You know, the one filled to the brim with countless glacial guitar arcs and songs about being frigid or the natural progression of time that comes off as pure pretention. However, when a band distinctly sounds like a band notorious for being a band-within-a-band, an amalgam of 80s post-punk influences and revivalist intentions. The songs are entertaining, I'll grant it that much; but a record isn't influences. "The Back Room", for me at least, doesn't bring much to the table. Yes, rock and roll is theft, but this is pure robbery. If they can impress me later by breaking off from their father-son musical relations, they can possible flourish into an indie-rock staple. But I'm not sure.… Expand
  20. GarryK
    Oct 19, 2007
    10
    Brilliant album. All the songs are catchy, modern and unforgettable. They remind me of a 21st century version of joy division.
  21. HeyPeople
    Feb 14, 2007
    7
    6.5 in fact. I think the Billboard review says it all: the counterfeit is so good that it sounds like the original. They are great, they just aren't quite original. I like it because the sound is pure, i hate electronic post-punk. And I love the guitars as well. They seem to hurt, don´t they?
  22. Roco
    Apr 20, 2007
    10
    Solid album by this british band. This album is powerful, epic, and very uplifting. I highly recommend.
  23. pl
    May 3, 2007
    8
    interpol is crap. while editors are a very promising band despite the fact that they are truly not too original. let's just wait and see how their upcoming album goes.
  24. ThompsonT
    May 8, 2007
    10
    Electrifying. Poetic. Terrific. A must buy!
  25. PeteF
    Oct 1, 2005
    8
    I'm quite disappointed with the ratings, I believe most people judge an album right after the very first listening. I've heard both - otherwise really great - Interpol albums (which also said to be a fascimile of Joy Divison's works); while Interpol have an obvious american favour, Editors is truly british band and this has to be clear for every serious listener even for I'm quite disappointed with the ratings, I believe most people judge an album right after the very first listening. I've heard both - otherwise really great - Interpol albums (which also said to be a fascimile of Joy Divison's works); while Interpol have an obvious american favour, Editors is truly british band and this has to be clear for every serious listener even for the first time. Many negative critics are from narow-minded people who are alway looking for correspondences with other bands. You will always find some... There are no music without influences and influences are not equal to expressions like stealing. Otherwise, new styles rarely born after The Beatles - to be a bit ironic.… Expand
  26. voodoocookie
    Aug 12, 2005
    7
    If you are sick of listening to the existing Interpol albums but still would like to hear some Interpol sounding music then listen to this. Overall, a decent album!
  27. Eneas
    Aug 17, 2005
    9
    Great album. Almost perfect. As good as "Antics" and far better than "turn on the bright lights" althougth they have their own sound.
  28. Jenny
    Aug 18, 2005
    8
    Great album! Took a couple of listens for me to really get into it and the 2nd CD is good and shows a more upbeat sound to them
  29. JC
    Aug 19, 2005
    9
    Jesus christ, what a dumb ass remark, Kreshnak. Ever heard of joy division or echo and the bunnymen? Or do you think that interpol had discovered this kinda music?
  30. PiotrD
    Aug 23, 2005
    9
    Really good album. Been hearing it over and over again for 2 days now - can't remember last time a new album got to me that way. About the comparing them to Interpol, well some places the influence is clear, but if you listen to the whole album you find much more than the "Interpol-sound" - absolutely recommended!
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Most Discussed Album of 2006
49
#49 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Q Magazine
    70
    As much as The Back Room is a victory for style, it also strikes a blow for substance. [Aug 2005, p.135]
  2. Dot Music
    70
    "The Back Room" is, principally, a triumph.
    Read full review
  3. Drowned In Sound
    90
    It’s how Interpol would sound like if they dealt with universal themes and reflection rather than singing about fellatio fantasies with Stella, or their length of loves.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »