ARTIST:
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE


ALBUM:
CEREMONIALS


KEY TRACKS:
WHAT THE WATER GAVE ME
ONLY IF FOR A NIGHT
SPECTRUM


"say my name, as every color illuminates"


Florence + the Machine's debut album Lungs, was like a scream in the dark. It came out of nowhere and was an aggressive first time effort from singer/songwriter Florence Welch. I don't think anyone was expecting such a colossal voice like hers.  


That being said, Ceremonials was just as loud, but doesn't quite pack the punch that Lungs did.  All the quintessential Florence Welch components are there:  pounding drums, dramatic strings, plucking harps and of course, of course Welch's powerful vocals.  That being said, sometimes this album is just too much Florence...


The best...and consequently the worst thing about this album is that Florence really relies on what made her famous in the first place:  those massive pipes!  Best in that when she belts out those high notes, she really really hits it.  However there are moments that Welch's voice becomes almost too powerful for its own good.  I hate to admit it but there were a few times (primarily at 3:01 on Shake if Out) where I was thinking "Christ!  We get it!  You can sing!"  


Still, Welch hasn't missed a beat with her songwriting, her subjects are still very similarly haunting with songs like Seven Devils & If Only For  Night.  Welch admits to writing most of her songs while hungover in her closet.  Which is probably one of the best creative processes I've ever heard!  If this is what results from a wild night of partying, please don't stop drinking, Flo!  Florence + the Machine boasts some of the most fascinating (and cryptic) lyrics in the music business today.  Being a listener more in tune with compositions, it's rare that lyrics command my attention like Florence's.  


Like Lungs, Ceremonials has some lovely gems studded in it with What the Water Gave Me and Spectrum among others.  Welch also has what so many artists are lacking today:  serious stage presence.  I was fortunate to see Florence + the Machine in concert last year and in no way did she disappoint.  This girl commands the stage and her performance is really everything you'd expect...and more.  All in all, an enjoyable listen.  Well, done Flo!  Now please excuse me, I'm heading to my closet to drink.  

LISTEN:  WHAT THE WATER GAVE ME  | ONLY IF FOR A NIGHT |  SPECTRUM   


NEXT WEEK:  ACTIVE CHILD  |  YOU ARE ALL I SEE