Album Review

Florence & the Machine – Heavy in Your Arms Review

• 22nd Oct 2010

Since the fiery haired siren caused a wake in British Music, Florence Welsh and her well oiled Machine continues to blow not only fans but critics away by their undeniable talent.

‘Lungs’, their 2009 massive album, has pushed the boundaries of musical art, rewarded the ‘Mastercard British Album’ at 2010 Brit Awards and certified four times platinum. The success of the band means that, for their next album, it will have to be brimming with razor sharp singles, proving that their not just a one trick pony. Contending with album gems such as ‘Dog Days Are Over’ and a cover of Candi Station’s; ‘You’ve Got The Love’ means it’ll be harder than ever. But, of course, they have done it again…

The newest anthem, ‘Heavy In Your Arms’ continues what Lungs had done, contemporary gothic and a sense of destined doom. The start of the song sets the mood of a hazy, dark sketch. The slow developing anticipation of the chorus is fulfilled at the peak of the song. This being when the sheer force of the drums, mirrored with the choir behind Florence’s gut clenching voice makes an atmospheric dimension, found before a war in the Tudor era or in dark fairytales, suggesting why it was chosen as one of the tracks from the Twilight complication album, Eclipse.

The conclusion of the record sounds like a slow, painful death and the last moments of their life before their soul slips away. Then being released from evil and all weight of reality, optimistic about the ascension to heaven, tying with the undercurrent of strong religion.

The past couple of years for the band has been surprisingly successful and with the release of the extended album, ‘Between Two Lungs’, they might be able to reach out to the people that haven’t yet been touched by their magic.