DID you hear the one about the reporter who went to review Editors?

Luckily, their performance at the O2 Guildhall in Southampton last night was far better than that attempt at journalism-related humour.

I’ve heard people call Editors boring, Joy Division-lite, and I can understand those criticisms.

A lot of their work across their four albums follows a similar formula – slow build up to a rock crescendo, and the same could be said of the gig.

It took a while for the crowd to get going, whether it was through unfamiliarity with the band’s new material like opener Sugar, or surprise that a heavyweight tune like Smokers Outside the Hospital Doors could be used so early.

But I challenge anyone to say their live performances are boring, as frontman Tom Smith has charisma in spades.

As they motored through tracks old and new the energy levels rocketed and by the time old favourites like Munich and The Racing Rats came around towards the end the crowd was buoyant and in great voice.

One thing I’ve always enjoyed about gigs is they have the power to completely change an opinion about a song through live performance, which happened again this time with upcoming single Honesty - the power of the guitar and Smith’s vocals knocking me back.

I’m not convinced by new album The Weight of Your Love, but on this evidence Editors have plenty of touring in them yet.