You must buy this CD, right now! Florence Welch and her backing band The Machine have produced their mind blowing debut, 'Lungs' with originality and wonder in mind. The thirteen tracks, which include the singles "Dog Days Are Over", "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)" and "Kiss With A Fist", as well their breathtaking cover of "You've got the love" are flawless in writing, production, and performance.
This hugely moving and powerful album includes many dark themes but is, likely because of this, a very inspirational listen. Songs such as 'Kiss With A Fist', which include some quite sinister lyrics "a kick in the teeth is good for some/a kiss with a fist is better than none" are given the backdrop of a quite upbeat instrumental, and the unique effect contributes to the originality of this record. The production is absolutely masterful, the wall of sound created by the layering of Florence's powerful vocals, best heard in songs such as "Cosmic Love" and the incredible "Rabbit Heart" will literally leave you lost for words, and, in the slower and perhaps more melancholy songs like "My Boy Builds Coffins" and "Blinding", Florence creates an unsettlingly seductive sound with her hushed and beautiful voice.
Next to Florence, the star of the album is the inclusion of a Harp for many crucial riffs, including the unforgettable "Dog Days Are Over". The surprising presence of an instrument that is not often associated with such contemporary, alternative music is a more than welcome addition to the sound, and gives the album the other-worldly and magical element it seems to drip with.
Lungs will grab you and take you with it on its journey from the Inspirational first track Dog Days Are Over to its heartbreaking middle, Cosmic Love , and through to its unforgettable end, You've Got The Love. If you are looking for a modern day musical masterpiece that doesn't shy away from originality, look no further than Lungs. But be warned, one listen will leave you thirsting for more.