What makes Formaldehyde by Editors notable?

Formaldehyde received notable attention for its exploration of darker themes and was praised for its production quality. The album's lead single, 'A Ton of Love', charted well in the UK and contributed to Editors' sustained presence in the alternative rock scene. Released in 2013, Formaldehyde marked Editors' fourth studio album and followed their 2010 effort, In This Light and on This Evening. At this stage, the band was solidifying its sound after experiencing lineup changes, particularly with the departure of guitarist Chris Urbanowicz, which prompted a shift towards a more electronic influence in their music.

How many songs are on Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Formaldehyde

Editors · 2013

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of haunting melodies and rhythmic urgency that captures a sense of existential unease.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Formaldehyde — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of decay and renewal, driven by a pulsating beat and atmospheric instrumentation that set a distinct tone.
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A Ton of Love (acoustic) — This stripped-back version highlights the emotional core of the song, contrasting with the album's more complex arrangements while showcasing the band's lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong production and thematic depth but lacks the complexity to stand out significantly.

What we noticed

The title track 'Formaldehyde' features a driving beat with layered guitars that create a sense of urgency throughout its duration.
The acoustic version of 'A Ton of Love' strips down the original's production, focusing on vocal delivery and lyrical intimacy.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Editors' sound but isn't widely recognized as essential.
Themes: atmospheric renewal· electronic urgency
Career context: Released in 2013, Formaldehyde marked Editors' fourth studio album and followed their 2010 effort, In This Light and on This Evening. At this stage, the band was solidifying its sound after experiencing lineup changes, particularly with the departure of guitarist Chris Urbanowicz, which prompted a shift towards a more electronic influence in their music.
Stylistic neighbors: Interpol· The National· Bloc Party