Lesley Garrett

Photographer

    “The sophomore slump is an uphill battle, and someone said that ain't my scene.” These lyrics sung by Jason Mraz accurately sum up Florence and the Machine’s newest album Ceremonials.  Released on October 31, 2011 in the United Kingdom, this anticipated album definitely did not disappoint. With a dark tone conveying underlying hope, Florence Welch’s banshee voice proves once again that there is more behind a love song than mere teardrops on a guitar.

    The Ceremonials equivalent to “Dog Days are Over” is definitely track two, “Shake it Out.” One of my personal favorite songs from the album, this song efficiently stirs dark emotions resulting from relational regrets, and the glee experienced after spiritual renewal. Powerful vocals and pulsing organ melodies create a joyous feeling despite obvious heavy remorse. “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” These lyrics, included in the bridge, imply that sometimes a moment of utter confusion is directly followed by a drastic realization. Likewise, they are immediately followed by the elated chorus suggesting one need let go of all regrets, because “it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back, so shake it off.”

    The album continues on with Welch’s voice being the focus; however, the album is somewhat weak musically. Track four “Never Let Me Go,” for example, is rhythmically simple with a touch of British pop beats, focusing on the fluttering of Florence’s voice as she sings of devotion to a lover. In “Spectrum,” Welch’s voice flaunts her variety in range as she fluctuates from low key bridges to high noted choruses. While the control of talent shown is impressive, the repetitive drum rhythms, syncopated harp strumming, and guitar chords are nothing special in and of themselves. 

    Other songs are more complex in composition. In “What the Water Gave Me,” Welch’s voice is harmonized with eerie background vocals and signature harp strumming. The cymbals and harps give way to echoed harmonies, all of which bring forth yet another hymn-esque feel. Lyrics consisting of various allusions, such as “pockets full of stones.” This reference to Virginia Woolfe’s suicide, in which she literally filled her pockets with stones and jumped into a river, may seem dark at first. However, the context of the song is one of respect and pure intrigue with water and the potential danger associated with it. Towards the middle of the song, all instruments stop for an a cappella moment that is simply beautiful. This is then followed by a whooping solo by Florence. 

    Similar echoed vocals are heard in “No Light, No Light.” Comparable to “Cosmic Love” from Lungs, this is another love song in which yet more harp strumming and bare vocals move aside for capturing melodies. As the beat drops one minute in, Welch’s voice swings from note to note to the beat of pounding drums and persistent tambourine crashes. The verses consist of distressed lyrics, “I was disappearing in plain sight/Heaven help me/I need to make it right,” suggesting suspense within a relationship on the pivotal point between success and failure. All build up to the chorus in which the suspense is released with a booming cry for resolution. In this song, the numerous components (vocals, drum rhythms, extra sound effects) are layered perfectly to bring about an effect that strikes as many chords emotionally as literally.

    Within this album, there is an apparent influence of other iconic artists from the UK. Echos of U2 ring throughout the songs, which is reasonable considering Florence and the Machine toured with them this past summer. Track 6, “Lover to Lover,” sounds similar to another British star. What vocalist captures that Mo-town style groove other than the infamous Adele?

    Overall, Ceremonials is an album adorned with spiritual lyrics and reverberating vocals that is a successful sophomore attempt. If Lungs were a quaint little church, Ceremonials would be an elaborate modern Cathedral. Musically, it leaves no European genre untouched. This impressive milestone for the band will definitely capture the attention of current fans, hopefully gaining more notoriety for the much-deserving band.