Stereo Jealousy

#24: Florence + The Machine – Lungs

Florence Welch was a revelation in 2009. The signs were there from 2008; her first few limited singles were a blast, then there was her success in the BBC’s Sound of 2009 poll. No-one could have predicted the level of exposure she would gain however. Her’s was easily one of the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen in the Radio 1 tent at Reading, support slots for Blur’s Hyde Park mega-gigs, countless spots on adverts: 22-year old Welch was everywhere in ‘09. Underpinning all of that was a highly creditable debut LP, an album full of huge choruses, massive hits and that clarion call of a voice out front. Tracks veer from Bat For Lashes style percussion driven torch pop through to the quicker paced, almost White Stripes-esque bash Kiss With A Fist – and they meld together to form a compelling introduction to one of Britain’s brightest new stars.

Florence + The Machine – Kiss With A Fist

Florence + The Machine – You’ve Got The Love (Live @ Bestival) (video)

Florence + The Machine Myspace

Buy Lungs

Photo: Anne Helmond @ Lowlands, Netherlands, 08/09