On 2009, the release of critically acclaimed “Lung” quickly brought flame-haired British singer Florence Welch worldwide fame.

Contributed Photo

The album, with its unique and different sound, combined with Welch’s overwhelming, loud, and sometimes breathy voice, gained much attention from awestruck critics and fans.

Now with the Nov. 1 release of Florence + The Machine’s new album, “Ceremonials”, comes more of that same mystical sound.

Welch avoids the sophomore slump; “Ceremonials” exceeds expectations. For a group like Florence + The Machine, when the first album is so extraordinary, it can be easy for fans to feel as if the second one doesn’t match up. That likely won’t be an issue here.

“The first album, what I learned, for better or for worse, it was done over from the ages of 17-22, with a couple of different producers. Some of it was recorded in an old swimming pool, some of it was recorded in a synagogue — it kind of was all over the place,” Welch told MTV reporter James Montgomery. “And that made it the record it is, but for this one, I was very clear in the idea that I had of wanting to make something that sounded like a whole; so it had to be one producer, one place, one period of time to make it a body of work.”

Produced by Paul Epworth, who also worked with Adele on her new album “21,” and co-written by Welch herself, Ceremonials’ songs begin with whispers and build and build, then crescendo so delicately, it’s haunting.

The wide range of Welch’s voice allows for some tracks to be darker and others to have a more upbeat feel. Her ability to wail and whisper is something that has not been heard often before. Fans will be compelled and disturbed by the deep lyrics and majestic sound.

This album is undeniably different from Lungs. Anyone who thought that Florence + The Machine’s sound couldn’t get any more complex and overwhelming was wrong. The group’s ability to combine Welch’s diverse voice with big beats could be labeled as somewhat revolutionary.

One new element incorporated into the drama of Ceremonials is the touch of gospel mixed in with the bombastic beats. Fortunately it doesn’t change the sound enough to turn listeners away.

Fans of Florence + The Machine should know that they will hear more songs like “Howl” and “My Boy Builds Coffins” and less of ones like “Kiss With a Fist” on this album. Welch takes her time here, her voice somehow playing out more slowly and controlled.

Songs such as “Lover to Lover” have a soulful but more upbeat sound, whereas “Seven Devils” is possibly the most chilling track with its suspenseful beat and gothic tone. Ceremonials is definitely an acquired taste.

With some still getting to know what Florence + The Machine are all about I would say Ceremonials’ echoing sound is nothing short of outstanding. The sound is fresh but familiar. Take a listen or take a few but either way I doubt any fan of this group would be disappointed.

“Lover to Lover,” by Florence + The Machine

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAtFMQc0oog]

 

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