Photo by Fred Thomas.
Taking the stage in Lincoln on one of the final shows of their British tour, proceeded by the pitch-perfect Temper Trap, Florence and The Machine, God-like and angelic, send shockwaves through an audience. Following the charmingly raw, jungle performance of the atmospheric Australian support, Florence Welch, an angel preaching to awe-struck worshipers, graced the stage. Lit from behind by pale beams and vivid colours, fluid white dress swirling about her, complete with wing-like detail, and a halo of vixen red-locks, she’s as enchantingly mystical as ever.
Opening with the loud and boisterous My Boy Builds Coffins, the piercing voice alongside harps, drums, keys and the visual flair of an indie-rock Virgin Mary, had the Lincoln crowd swaying; hypnotised by the crescendo of the menacing chorus. A mixture of classic tracks from debut album, Lungs, fairytale-esque and personal acoustic songs such as I’m Not Calling You a Liar and mystifying rarities found only on the expanded edition of the album, made for an electrifying array of vocal talent. A feast for the senses.
The dreamlike front woman spent the night exhibiting her eccentricities, both vocally and otherwise, belting out blinding beauties, even when idiosyncratically singing the incorrect lyrics. The Santa hat donned later in the emotion packed gig added a light-hearted and festive atmosphere, though with eyes closed and hair thrashing, Florence still looked every bit supernatural.
The show’s climax, after a stampeding encore, was a mystifying choral version, audience included, of smash hit single, Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) which left the crowd jumping and floating as enchantingly as Welch herself; a night of musical passion, emotion and zeal. As the lights brightened and the crowd (stunned and exhilarated with images of the flailing goddess against her artistic backdrop in mind) left the venue there was no question about it; Florence & The Machine deserves every amount of praise this year has thrown at her.
Hannah johnson
January 4, 2010
I like this. The performance was amazing I agree with this review.
Just_how_it_is
January 4, 2010
Agreed to a certain extent, but this review is distinctly lacking in passion. The writer clearly had her mind on other things; otherwise she would have noticed the spine tingling effects of the first few lyrics of You've Got the Love that will sit with every other member of the audience for a long time to come. It has a similar effect to that of the first few bars of Mr Brightside, which gives me butterflies every time. By far, the best performance at The Engine Shed this year. Last year of course was Stereophonics. Love Florence, love The Engine Shed but this review does not do either justice.
Daniel Willis
January 4, 2010
Saw Florence at Manchester Apollo on the same tour and even with the year of hype and award nominations I don't think she's got the praise she deserves in terms of being a monstrously energetic live performer or for the complexity and depths of her lyrics. The whole setlist is constructed like a story in progression; the rarities you mention highlight how far the band still has to go. 'Falling', 'The Hardest of Hearts' and 'Are You Hurting The One You Love?' are all fantastic and are all available on Spotify for those without the album. I like the review but it'd be interesting to hear what you thought about other moments in the set, especially the supernatural moments you mention which I found reached a climax during 'Cosmic Love' and how 'Blinding' went down as it is an often ignored moment on the album but the loudest and most electrifying on stage, in my humble opinion.
LRose
January 4, 2010
Lacking in passion? Was the semantic field of her being angelic not enough for you? Perhaps it was the rest of the excellent linguistic anaylses that obviously did not mirror any passion at all.
Do not preach when most of your comment obviously shows your passion for the facebook group dedicated to the 'first few seconds of Mr Brightside'. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/grou… heres the group just for you.
I on the other hand appreciate good writing and found this excellent
Martyn Cooling
January 4, 2010
It must suck that despite her talent her biggest hit to date has been a cover…
Not a reflection on her, more of a reflection on the music buying public and their penchant for “playing it safe” with their music choices.
Missed the performance this time round, but saw her at the NME awards tour last year and was really impressed with how someone with so little experience really dominated the stage. You either have it or you dont I guess.
Just_how_it_is
January 4, 2010
So you do have passion it seems? The content doesn't have any meaning for me, empty words if you like. Take out Florence and insert any other popular group. No comparison, no contrast, it's like you watched it on top of the pops
Lads on tour
January 5, 2010
lets go fucking mental
Rosie Ramsden
January 5, 2010
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I agree that it is a shame that their biggest hit so far has been a cover, and that it probably is a reflection on the music buying public, as Florence herself has such an overwhelming stage presence and voice.
I also think that 'Hardest of Hearts' and 'Are you hurting the one you love?' are brilliant and were highlights of the show. Supernatural and awe-inspiring moments did peak noticeably in 'Cosmic Love', and the faces of the crowd showed that.
Other than that i'd just like to say i don't think the review does lack passion, though i never wrote the previous comment arguing this!
Thanks again
Mattdoesntbelonghere
January 5, 2010
don't be such a bitch, pull your tongue out of florence's arse, just half an inch and lay off the author…
Lads on tour
January 5, 2010
Anyone who's musical highlights are Stereophonics and the Killers can most definitely take their musical opinions and fuck right off
KC
January 8, 2010
Lacks passion? I bet your fantastic in the bedroom if you thought that review lacked passion. Take out Florence and insert any other popular group! Did you actually read it? How could the very individual description possibly relate to any other group? You are obviously one of those negative individuals who given the opportunity will moan about any thing. Happy new year.
Just_How_it's_not
January 11, 2010
your an absolute douche.
Just_How_it's_not
January 11, 2010
your an absolute douche.