Editors Release New Song “Barricades” With Mesmerizing Music Video
Last month, Editors announced that for this year’s Record Store Day, they’ll be sharing an EP, The Blanck Mass Sessions. The 8-song set includes 7 alternative versions of songs from their 2018 album, Violence, plus one previously unheard track, “Barricades.” Today, Editors released the new song along with a captivating mechanical music video.
“Barricades” opens with a stomping beat, a marching sound set to a 1980s-styled track. Frontman Tom Smith sings an octave-jumping vocal melody, gliding between low and high notes at whim. On first listen, the strain of his voice makes the song sound raw yet endearing. The lyrics are a highlight here, as Tom asks, “How long could you wait for someone you love?” He later pleads, “Don’t run away; just barricade now.” As with many Editors songs, “Barricades” only gets better with each listen.
The song’s music video was directed by Hi-Sim and produced by Martin Roker at Black Dog Films. Throughout most of the video, machines tossing marbles work smoothly, narrowly avoiding a mess with perfectly timed movements. It’s a mesmerizing effect until one little mistake throws the whole thing awry.
Watch the video for “Barricades” below:
“Barricades” appears on the upcoming limited Record Store Day release, The Blanck Mass Sessions. In addition to “Barricades,” the other 7 songs are alternate versions of tracks heard on Editors’ last album, Violence. All of these songs were recorded during those album sessions. While Violence balanced out the original Oxford recording sessions with more electronic versions mixed by Blanck Mass, the new EP presents the songs as Blanck Mass arranged them. These versions will be more electronic than what fans heard on Violence.
The limited color vinyl is being released on Record Store Day this coming April 13th. Only have 500 copies will be available then, but as it’s an “RSD First” release, fans can rest assured that it will be more widely available later this spring, on May 3rd. You can pre-order The Blanck Mass Sessions now ahead of its May release.
Just one year ago, Editors released their 6th album, Violence. (It was one of our favorites of 2018.) After extensive touring and four singles – “Magazine,” “Hallelujah (So Low),” “Darkness At The Door,” and “Cold” – the band members worked on separate projects for a couple months. Frontman Tom Smith rejoined his other group, Smith & Burrows, to perform a brand new song. “All The Best Moves” is set to appear on their long-awaited second album together. Tom also appeared on a song with UNKLE called “The Other Side” last December, and then on “Crucifixion / A Prophet” earlier this month.
Last month, Editors shocked and delighted fans when they returned to the studio to work on new tunes. A few weeks ago, the band went to Los Angeles to record music with producer Jacknife. Editors notably worked with Jacknife back in 2007, when he produced their sophomore album, An End Has A Start. The band worked on something – a song? – called “Black Gold.”
Is Editors’ 7th album already on the way? At this point, it’s too early to say when we’ll get to hear the new music. While an album could be ready by the end of this year, 2020 may be a safer bet. It’s also unclear if Jacknife will serve as the producer for their next album. He did an excellent job on An End Has A Start, so we’d be happy if he does!
Hopefully “Barricades” and the alternate Violence songs will hold you over until we know more about whatever new music Editors are working on. Enjoy the new song, and get ready for more once The Blanck Mass Sessions drops next month!
Keep checking back here for all the latest Editors music news.
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