Editors show experience counts at Latitude 2014

Festival sets are like an arms race; always a pressure to bring something new or different. The higher up the bill, the more the demand. Kick off a stage and a big banner will do. Get close to headlining and that’s a different matter.

We all know Kasabian realise it - their ginormous pink screen with random words a highlight of Glastonbury 2014. Editors obviously realise it too. Part way through their Latitude second top showing, their video wall is graced by what appears to be Ryu from Street Fighter 2.

OK, it probably isn’t actually him, but never the less it’s a unique move. Don’t let that distract from the actual matter at hand though - settling into their role as an elder statesman of British indie, they’ve actually got quite good at this lark.

Frontman Tom Smith pulls a striking figure, stalking round the stage like an injured T-rex with an unshakeable desire to dance. Whatever he choses to do with his body, though, that vocal cuts through like a knife. They’ve got the back catalogue for it too - tonight they pull out all the hits - they’re not holding back.

When their fans claimed they should be headlining after Two Door Cinema Club pulled out, one could be forgiven for being surprised. Credit where credit’s due, tonight they ask the question again themselves. However flashy your tricks, there’s no replacement for a bit of experience.