Let’s turn on our time machines and go back to the release of Florence and The Machine’s debut. Remember when you played Lungs for the very first time and Dog Days Are Over started to nurture your brain’s pleasure areas. Although the authors of the song didn’t know it at the moment, the song has a hidden message within. Days of diligent practice, playing at low-priced gigs and avoiding drunk audience were over for Florence Welch and her instrumental band. Rapidly, although not surprisingly, Florence and The Machine became stars. Not instants stars with just a random hit, rather multiple high quality hits. In fact, it could be said that the second half of 2009 totally belonged to them.
It all started like a dream. After incredibly talented and vocally trained Florence tried her luck in some other band and realized they are not good enough for her, she decided to go solo. Then 24-year old singer from London, with Bjork snd PJ Harvey as idols, decided to collect a group of refined instrumentalists and call them The Machine. Following the path of her idols, she wanted to push the boundaries of the music genre she adores. In the genre, she definitely succeeded. It is an indie-pop flavored with soul. Her influence on music in general is also conspicuous. The talent and the voice, and multiple chart-topping songs made her one of the most recognizable forces in the modern indie music.
Kiss With A Fist was released as a first single, with the true old-school rock rhythm and provocative lyric. Albeit it did not reach top of the charts, it helped Lungs peak at No 2 of British Album Chart. Lungs was oscillating within top 5 for a while before reaching the first position at the end of the year. The second single, Dog Days Are Over, was chosen wisely as it reflects the essence of the Florence and The Machine. Richness of melodies and wide variety of instruments, including the harp is differentia specifica of the band.
The single that finally made them visible on charts was Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up). The song is catchy, with a memorable chorus. Howl was more of an indie-dance number with easy start and explosive continuation. Girl With One Eye was always one of my favorites from Florence’s debut due to the fact that it really showcased her powerhouse vocal abilities. Drumming Song may be the best song on the album, gradually rising up the rhythmic tension until it culminates at the very end. Cosmic Love, ahhhh. What an indie diamond. This one is probably the most sang song by Florence on the talent shows. My Boy Builds Coffins is another keeper, although it is significantly slower than the rest. You’Ve Got The Love closes the album, serving as it’s biggest hit.
Lungs were just the beginning. We all know what happened over the course of the next five years. Previous month, Lady Gaga released her fifth album Joanne featuring a duet with Florence Welch. Surprised by this collaboration? Well, I guess Florence has many tricks up her sleeve. So excited to hear how her upcoming album is going to sound.
