Florence & the Machine

I've decided to take a different route with this post- I'll conform with my fellow bloggers and write a review. Florence & the Machine is undoubtedly one of the best bands I've ever listened to. Actually, I'm not sure if I could call it a band, as it's mainly Florence Welch and numerous backing instrumentalists. That being said, each member of the "band" makes the listener feel a variety of emotions, each sound echoing from their instrument is completely clear. And Florence's voice- it's virtually indescribable, but I'll make an attempt: it's a mixture of soul a la Dreamgirls's Effie, high notes that are pure as God knows what, jazzy, tender vibrato, and such musical maturity. Florence is literally the only artist I can listen to without winching at an off-key note, or getting bored with her tone. Because that's impossible- she's too good. I recently received the band's first album, Lungs, as a Christmas present(okay, so I kind of picked it out for myself at Target, and pretended to be all surprised when it popped out of my stocking, and I really can't stop listening to it. The first song, "Dog Days Are Over", shows of Florence's powerhouse vocals like no other. I just love the subtle echo they chose to have as she sings, it makes the song ring in your ears, which I think is a plus. It begins soft, with just Florence and guitarist Robert Ackroyd, and then progresses enormously into a rock-the-house tune, with insanely fast drumming, and layers of backup vocals. The best part is hearing that amongst the wild drumming and singing, the listener can hear very slow, simple piano chords, and a harpist. The song is just so... chiseled. It's so well thought out, it's mind boggling really. The rest of the album is no different. "Rabbit Heart(Raise it Up) is equally as heart-stopping and beautiful, and it just makes one want to dance like nobody's watching. The music video is so vintage and creative, and of course Florence's hair is fabulous- nobody can rock thick red locks and bangs like she can. Each song seems to have that echo effect, and not just with Florence's voice, but with all the instruments. The debut single, "Kiss With a Fist" has empowering lyrics, and excellent drum solos. It's so unique- you think it's going to be this crazy fast tune, but then it comes in with sort of a marching band beat, overlaid by muted vocals that sound like Florence is belting into a megaphone. "You've Got the Love" , a cover of Candi Staton's disco hit, has such a sweet melody, but of course, Florence makes it her own with a bit of an eerie tone. She actually sounds kind of like Cher, with dramatic dynamic changes(LOUD, soft LOUD, soft). The video for this song is great too- it's just Florence swinging in this disco esque room, with flashy blue lighting. "Hurricane Drunk", the album's recent fifth single, sounds somewhat improvised, but then you feel like you are being whisked away by Florence's soft yet strong vocals, with the ocean behind it, and the harp just adds to that "major minor major minor" feel. "Howl" is just what it sounds like- haunting. Somewhat screechy violins accompany once again powerhouse belting, "Girl With One Eye" is the one song I'm not crazy about on the album, but that may be because it's so different from the others- it's just Florence and an electric guitar for awhile, hitting high notes and singing about "getting your filthy fingers out of my pie", and "crushing a little heart out"- it's mildly creepy, but intriguing nonetheless. "My Boy Builds Coffins" is SO good, it's a little creepy as well. This song really showcases Florence's jazzy side for some reason, even though it's the farthest thing from a jazz song. I suppose it's because you hear the edginess and fast vibrato of her voice for the first time. She quietly sings about how "he's made one for me, someday he'll make one for you." The lyrics are so penetrating, they stay on your mind for a long time. "Blinding" is a mix between a revengeful song, a Christmas carol, and a lullaby. Florence belts about how "you're the one who held me under" with subtle bells and strings being plucked in the background, and yet the beat is soothing and rocking. See how diverse the album is? It's practically perfect. With flawless vocals, unique accompaniment, and just a variety of different types of songs, Florence & the Machine is on it's way, and I can't wait for their second album!