Gig Review - Florence and The Machine
Thursday 17th September 2009 @ Academy, Bristol
It’s hard to think of another unsigned band that have received as much exposure as Florence and The Machine have in recent years. From T4 interviews to BBC plugging, it seemed as if Florence Welch was a household name before even releasing a single. Tonight sees the Bristol Academy play host to the artist who has not only several top ten tracks under her belt, but an album at number two and several high-profile festival performances. With all the hype, fashion magazine spreads and Mercury Music nominated album, Lungs, it’s easy to be cynical but based on tonight’s performance that would be wrong.
The sold out show started out with the drum-heavy Kiss With A Fist, immediately rousing the crowd into action. Tracks that followed ranged from soulful acoustic numbers like I’m Not Calling You A Liar, to goth tinged numbers such as Cosmic Love and Rabbit Heart reminiscent of Hyæna era Siouxsie and The Banshees.
Florence’s strong vocals at times were stunning and no doubt she has an impressive vocal range but she is also a fine performer. Apart from an ill-advised howling competition, Florence proved herself to be engaging and capable of lifting the crowd. Stand out tracks were Dog Days Are Over and her version of You Got The Love, energising the audience.
Despite constant comparisons, Florence and The Machine are head and shoulders above the Pixie Lotts and Little Boots of this world. It was encouraging to see a sold out show for an alternative and innovative female artist; she certainly has the talent so let’s hope she rises above the hype and achieves the longevity she deserves.
Hazel Goodfellow
Photos by Skye Portman
Copyright © 2008
September 28th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Florence is indeed a performer that surpasses the likes of Little Boots and Pixie Lotts, they have even more a of manufactured synthetic element to them. I did however sense her stage shows of perhaps even a year ago, are a testament to the sacrifice her fame has placed upon the possibilities of a more darker, indie route. Potentially propelling her to a more stable developed musical longevity which encompasses the highly sought after credibility garnered by musical pioneers. Her recent productions present mass appeal with a style that smooths over the rawness and sincerity with a candy coating, granted the edge is still there, however more of a bump rather than the jaunty angle it once was. Had she not signed to Virgin her music may have played out differently. Performance wise ‘You’ve got the love’ belongs to Candi Staton, the homage felt like we were party to an x-factor performance. Dog Days hints towards stronger arrangements and a bigger sound, perhaps it’s her earlier tracks that don’t lend to the washing out of vocals and the addition of layers. Performance wise she hit all her queues and her brash yet earnest charisma shone, save a few lighting issues (the omission of a set change which was to provide mood lighting for one of her intimate tracks). The audience reveled in her delivery delighted by her spectacle Kate bush-esque arm movements and crotch hugging outfit.