Music Review: Florence + The Machine, Bringing Quality Back

In the second show of my summer concert series, I had the opportunity to see the British Indie Rock group Florence + The Machine, who’s quickly-rising popularity is rivaled only by their talent and individuality. If you’re hearing about them the first time here, then allow this article to act as an unofficial introduction to the group, who are helping to bring quality back to popular music. As a fan of many artists and groups coming out of the UK, I was a quick convert to their unique, skillful style, and on July 4^th in my beloved hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, I was able to see if; as I suspected it would, the music translated into a live setting.

Even though Indianapolis has a thriving concert industry, and is a major destination for performers big, small, established and new, when seeing an international act, you have to wonder if you’re going to be getting the same show as if they were playing it on home turf. My concerns were put to rest within a few moments of the show’s beginning, as they, and Florence [Welch] in particular, got off to a rousing start, bringing up the over-all energy of the show and crowd, from opening song “My Boy Builds Coffins” and maintaining it through out the rest of their set, culminating at the encore, with their cross-over hit “Dog Days Are Over”.

Established in 2007, F+TM has made a big impact in a small amount of time, much of which stemming from their 2009 debut album Lungs, where they’ve seen their music used in a number of American tv series’, as well as loads of nominations and awards from various UK entertainment organizations. The majority of the set was comprised from Lungs, however, the audience was treated to the performances of two new songs, “What The Water Gave Me” and “Bedroom Hymns” from a forth-coming album, as well as a stirring a capella version of “Amazing Grace”.

Talent and ability are almost unheard of in the music industry these days, but with a complete lack of gimmicks, autotune, or other not-so-clever distractions, the performance was a sight to behold. Florence, seemingly inexhaustible, whorled, danced, jumped, and climbed all over the stage, never interrupting or missing a note. The power and vocal range of her voice is striking, and practically mythical, leaving me wondering what she traded to Ursula the Sea Witch to gain the ability. Striding the stage in bare feet and a flowing yellow gown, well-suited for the warm Indianapolis evening, her vocal performance was perfectly accompanied by the music from the band, complete with rock-and-roll harp, which floated on the air like the ruffles of her gown.

Often engaging the audience by running out to the far edges of the stage, throwing out drum sticks, and calling for participation, when coming out for the encore, the group sported small American flags and sparklers. Florence commented that she was half American, and this was her first 4^th of July celebration, which struck me with a since of pride knowing the level of festivities the city would be putting on later that night.

It came off as a rather intimate show, the band members properly spread out on stage, not overwhelming it with props, equipment, and roadies, The eclectic audience, also managed to have their own dancing and viewing space while still providing a good turnout for the mid-sized White River State Park venue. It was clear that the majority of the crowd were actual fans, rather than people who had bought tickets on a whim, or been passed some for free, which is always better than people just attending for the party (cough Jimmy Buffet cough). The holiday spirit, and the smell of spent fireworks hung in the air as well, giving everything a light-hearted, fun atmosphere, all united by the excellent performance.

Although the show itself was relatively short, that’s to be expected with a new act, but was likely more due to the two scheduled fireworks displays that immediately followed, which for myself and my crew, was more like an entire package of entertainment. Although short in time, the show packed a big punch of energy and interest, with a since of elegance, professionalism, and audience respect you see more typically in acts from across the pond. With the unique fusion of Classical, Rock, and operatic styling, it’s not stretch of the imagination to say we’re going to be hearing from Florence + The Machine in a big way for a long time to come.

See additional photos of the show at: www.facebook.com/pcp333

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