Florence and the Machine - Universal - RHP review

We’ve been pretty indifferent toward the last 8 or 9 female singer-songwriters wheeled out by the business, sporting “next big thing” tags. We have our Sarah Blasko, Regina Spektor and Lily Allen, we’re good for feisty young sirens; at least that’s what we thought.

Combining the wavering heart of Grace Slick, the floating notes of Kate Bush and the conviction of Annie Lennox, Florence and the Machine have arrived with one of the year’s best in Lungs.

The signs weren’t good when Florence and her mechanical mates released the gimmicky Kiss With A Fist, the first single from Lungs; fortunately the album proper is a much more mature experience bristling with lush vocal layering and intricate instrument play.

While the subsequent singles lifted from Lungs are indeed quality songs, the real gold is to be found elsewhere. Cosmic Love is an ethereal mash marrying the most endearing qualities of Jefferson Airplane and Fleet Foxes while Hurricane Drunk’s percussive push and cascading vocal lines draw the listener in completely.

As far as debut go, they don’t come too much better than this. Let the record show, we now recognise Sarah, Regina, Lily and Florence.