Florence + the Machine "Lungs" (9/10)
Ironically, most indie rock bands sound the same. It doesn't take much to start a trend (see: the Shins) or to follow one (see: every independent band that came after the Shins). The "alternative" music scene, fraught with Dashboard Confessional look-alikes, is a joke. In this world of mediocrity and reusing an established sound, finding originality is hard to do.
Enter: Florence + the Machine, a little-known group from London. The band was created by Florence Welch, a woman with a vaguely spiritual voice and a knack for creepy lyrics. They caught fire in England, so, like Winehouse, Allen, Adele, and Duffy before them, they decided to try their luck in the States. While they still remain little-known, it is assuredly through no fault of their own.
"Lungs" is a delight to listen to from start to finish. It begins with a neo-gothic number, "Dog Days Are Over." Listeners are given a gratifying taste of Welch's voice, which swoops on the bridges then chants rhythmically on the chorus. Another thing in this song that proves to be indicative of the future are the incredible lyrics. "She hid around corners, she hid under beds/She killed it with kisses, and from it she fled." When's the last time you heard that kind of lyricism in modern music?
The group proves itself over and over in songs like "I'm Not Calling You a Liar" and "Kiss with a Fist." The former scorns a lover for things he might do to her, while the latter is a violent take on relationship revenge. The very best song, however, comes late in the album with "My Boy Builds Coffins." The words are completely middle-ages, and Florence's voice floats heavenly on the clouds this track creates. "He builds one for himself/one for me too/and one of these days he'll make one for you." She might be singing of death, but the life that her voice brings will make even the darkest day vibrant. Highly recommended.
Download this: My Boy Builds Coffins, Kiss With a Fist, Dog Days Are Over, Howl, Drumming
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