Steph Lauren

Originating from London, England, Florence and the Machine was formed in 2007. Dabbling in a variety of genres, including soul and indie pop, the band is fronted by 24 year-old Florence Welch. After releasing their debut album Lungs in 2009, the band rose to the top of the UK album charts, and began garnering worldwide success, appearing on American television series and performing at the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards. They are currently on their Lungs concert tour.

The pressure for “next big thing” bands is constantly running on high. With the music industry constantly churning out musical products, it’s refreshing to hear a novel sound arrive on the forefront. So soon after their debut album, Florence and the Machine’s place in the international spotlight has quickly garnered a large fan following. From the melodic beat to the organic inspiration, Florence’s tour provides the crowd with flair worthy of its’ attention.

At Sound Academy in Toronto, after two highly lack-luster performances by opening bands, the Florence’s arrival onstage at quarter to eleven sparked the crowd into a frenzy. After stellar appearances during last years’ Brit Awards and more recently, Dancing with the Stars, her fans have come to anticipate her flawless vocals. But what we’ve gotten used to seeing- more demure performances- no one can really anticipate how alive she becomes onstage.

From her first song to the last, Florence performing can only be described as pure spectacle. While the audience lost themselves in the capricious beat, none could compare to the singer’s infectious style. Dancing and quite literally prancing across the stage, I can vouch that every note sung carried a drive and passion almost too large for someone so small. One of the most incredible feats was Florence’s experimentation with her own vocal abilities, fluctuating the pitch of her voice to conclude most of her songs. The audience was reminded that Florence is no one-trick pony; the lady’s got lungs, and she’s not afraid to use them.

Florence’s set also manages to bring magic to a stage that easily could have fallen flat. While waiting the half hour before Florence graced the stage, I spent the time squinting in the dim light, trying to make out the design or pattern. When Florence finally arrived onstage at quarter to eleven, whatever conclusion I had made was swiftly thrown out the window. At each song, the lighting, synchronized to perfection with Florence’s flamboyant performance, was cast upon the screen each time to a unique effect. During the opener, Howl, I saw a tapestry of vines, during Cosmic Love, a farm field, and Dog Days Are Over, a forest; all imagery well-suited to Florence’s whimsical, naturalist vintage persona, and, if I may say, quite the trip.

While Florence and the Machine’s mostly alternative fans are mildly known for their easygoing behaviour at concerts, I can happily report that the audience’s response was anything but placid; for every song, the venue reverberated with the voices of the crowd, belting out tunes along with the ardent singer. It was easy to get swept up in the fiery delivery of the lyrics, and to say that it was an incredible experience is putting it mildly, especially when it was clear how tickled Florence was with her reception.

Expectations were high for Florence and the Machine, despite her considerable newcomer status. But from the stage to the set to the music and to the performance, hopefully Florence’s career will reflect her show; vibrant, colourful, and altogether spectacular.

You’ve Got the Love (The XX Remix) – Florence and the Machine

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- Steph Lauren