I must hang my head in shame a little when I admit that I have just begun to listen to Florence + the Machine's Lungs. The buzz has been plentiful for the group's debut album, buzz which has already included a 2009 Mercury Prize nomination.
Young frontwoman Florence Welch has a formidable presence. She has the elegant musicality of Kate Bush, the hep-cool of Karen O, and the sensuality of Shirley Manson. Topping off this impressive concoction is a captivating vocal, which ranges from vulnerable wisp ("I'm Not Calling You a Liar") to power boom ("Cosmic Love").
The songs have an all-encompassing feel to them. It's difficult to listen to a track like the crashing "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" or the ominous rumbler "Blinding" without feeling completely immersed in the vibrant arrangements. "Drumming Song" and "Hurricane Drunk" for example sweep you away in their rhythms.
There's a strong underlying pop sensibility to the album too. Even a track like "Kiss With a Fist", with its domestic abuse subject matter and garage rock inspiration, is laden with irresistible hooks.
What's really exciting about Lungs is that there is no fat on the bones. Each song is well rounded and brilliantly constructed. Each note seems like it belongs and serves a vital purpose in holding up the entire structure of the record.
The only thing that disappoints me about Lungs is that it's taken me nearly six months to discover it for myself. This undoubtedly one of the albums of the year.
Best tracks: "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)", "Hurricane Drunk"
Track listing for Lungs:
- Dog Days Are Over
- Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
- I'm Not Calling You a Liar
- Howl
- Kiss With a Fist
- Girl With One Eye
- Drumming Song
- Between Two Lungs
- Cosmic Love
- My Boy Builds Coffins
- Hurricane Drunk
- Blinding
- You've Got the Love
Florence + the Machine's Myspace
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