As a group, Florence + the Machine's sound could best be described in one word: elemental. Singer Florence Welch's voice was a hurricane amongst the ethereal atmospherics of their debut album Lungs. Ceremonials, on the other hand, is delivered with an earthiness only hinted at in prior efforts. With it's solid piano hits and bombastic drumming, it's an album that revolves around the tasteful reserve of the band's musicianship versus the release of Welch's full throated vocal throttle.
Given the oversize melodies and theatrics of the songs, it's easy to reimagine Welch as a mainstream hook laden diva in another life. But with such a powerful voice at her command, it's inane to campare her to any of her female contemporaries. Forget Britney, Christina or any of their clonified proteges. Welch is a supernatural talent who bears more resemblance to mythical creatures of lore- think sirens and banshees. One banshee, in particular, comes to mind: Siouxsie Sioux.
Whereas the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O always conveyed more of Sioux's vocal DNA as unrestrained id, Welch flips the coin by instead appropriating her deft sense of glamour and restrained elegance. It's there in the anthemic chorus of "Only If For a Night." It's there in the hushed melody of "Breaking Down." It's there in the haunting anguish of "Seven Devils." Welch's voice, a supernatural wonder of massive destruction and beauty, is a lethal alterna-punk sleeper amongst the soft mainstream divas.
But the real challenge for Florence + the Machine has got to be finding songs that allow the band to define their singer as much as she defines them. Lungs suffered from a severe case of debuitis in which the young band threw everything, possibly including the kitchen sink, at arrangements. But Ceremonials, with it's diverse offerings, is a more tasteful display. There's a strong sense of deliberation at play here- they allow the arrangements more room to breathe while the supporting cast choses the best moments to reveal their best parts. This allows them to shine instead of crowding the picture as the songs luxuriate in the ambiance they've created.
essential listening:
Breaking Down
Shake It Out
Lover to Lover
No comments:
Post a Comment