Razorlight's prima donna left in shade

Published on Monday 27 August 2007 12:02

Razorlight, Editors ***

Meadowbank Stadium

JOHNNY BORRELL has a high opinion of himself - he proclaims himself a genius as talented as Bob Dylan.

Therefore, had a less self-feted talent been headlining last night's gig at Meadowbank Stadium, bigger acclaim may have followed.

However, because of his outrageous boasts, let's say we judge the motor-mouthed Razorlight singer on last night's gig alone.

The problem with Borrell, it seems, is that he is such an arrogant snot - acting the cliched rock brat, slagging off every other band, etc - he's seemingly been too up his own backside to notice that last night's support act were always a strong bet to blow his lot off stage.

The band in question, Editors, make no great claims to their ability. They don't take cheap shots. They don't act like prima donnas.

Instead, the Birmingham band bring their intense indie-rock to the masses in the way expected of them. And as far as last night went, that meant via an energetic playing of hits like Bullets, Munich and Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors.

Razorlight - well, they were a huge anti-climax.

At their best, on Stumble and Fall, and America, they more than delivered to the 20,000 crowd.

Problem was, save for the few hits they have at their disposal, the London outfit showed up as little more than an above average outfit. Or, as one disgruntled punter put it, a poor man's INXS.

Genius? As talented as Dylan? Borrell, not only are you having a laugh, but the three stars above are for Editors.