"The Back Room" is the debut studio album by British rock band Editors, released on July 25, 2005, through Kitchenware Records. Formed during their university years, the band relocated to Birmingham, where they honed their sound through club shows and demos. After signing with Kitchenware in late 2004, they recorded the album across various studios in Lincolnshire, London, and Wolverhampton, with producer Jim Abbiss handling most tracks.
The album is characterized by post-punk revival, gothic rock, and indie pop influences, drawing comparisons to bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, Elbow, and Interpol. Its lead single, "Bullets," was released in January 2005 and was followed by a UK tour. Subsequent singles, "Munich" and "Blood," were released in April and June 2005, respectively.
The Back Room received generally positive reviews, with praise for frontman Tom Smith's vocals, although opinions on the band's influences and lyrics varied. The album peaked at number two in the UK and Scotland, also charting in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the US. It produced successful singles, with "Munich" reaching number 10 in the UK charts. The album was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Prize, certified platinum in the UK, and gold in several other countries. It appeared on numerous album-of-the-year lists and is noted for its lasting impact on the indie rock scene.
