Florence
Welch, knows how to sing an epic. Her powerful voice is distinct as it is emotional. This serves her very well on the new album Ceremonials. She has described this album as being joyful.
Hmmm, okay perhaps with the lyrics that would be an apt description. I mean it is her words after all. The music however, is anything but. From the trip hop inspired Remain Nameless, a clear highlight, to the tribal chants of What the Water Gave Me. The music is as eclectic as you'll find for an artist that can get airplay on top 40 radio. This variety of music makes the album and songs much more interesting and deserving to be heard. Compared to her previous effort Lungs, this album is much more focused and less varied in direction. On Lungs, Florence was much more interested in exploring every one of her influences and had a song for each one. The songs felt disjointed and didn't feel like a cohesive whole. On Ceremonials there is much more focus. Most of the songs tend to dwell in same chamber/
gothic music well of Lungs highlight, Cosmic Love. In fact, the leading track is a clear response to that lovelorn plea. Only if For a Night, tells the story of to lovers meeting but only for a brief period of a night.
Some are going to hate this record. That usually happens when you have a powerful women that is unapologetic about singing stadium filling epics. They would be wrong to dismiss this record. This is the right kind of emo. She risks singing too earnestly but never crosses that line that so many artists can't resist crossing (You hear that Coldplay).
One thing must be said about Florence, she believes in what she sings. There is a truth to her singing that is rare ability indeed.
Florence + Machine - Ceremonials - B+
Release Date: November 1st, 2011
Listen to Remain Nameless
here!
