A dark corner of Dalston hosted the euphoric return of Florence And The Machine last night (29 September), as the singer played her first UK gig of the year.
Converted warehouse space MC Motors, situated just off Kingsland Road in the hipsteratti hub of east London, was the scene for the unveiling of second album Ceremonials (released 31 October), as Florence Welch and her band made a surprise appearance at the Luv Luv Luv Records party, topping a bill that also featured Spector, Theme Park and Jamie N Commons.
Word spread throughout the various rooms of the converted garage and soon the live space - with a capacity of around 300 - was a wall-to-wall sweatbox filled with punters eager to get a glimpse of Welch's long-awaited return. Beginning with new album Ceremonials' opener, Only If For The Night, Florence gave things a mysterious edge, not addressing the crowd until after second song Heartlines, declared: "We're back!" before leading her band into a full-blooded take on recent download What The Water Gave Me.
Then came the first of two songs from Lungs as Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up), now with a stirring Arcade Fire-esque outro, inspired a full crowd singalong. It was the new songs that continued to wow, though - indeed the only thing conspicuous about You Got (The Love)'s absence was that it wasn't missed - with the rolling drums and hollered hooks of Spectrum a highlight, Florence explaining she imagined performing the song with harpist Tom covered in glitter and lowered from the ceiling on wires.
Performing an extended version of Dog Days Are Over, the frontwoman instructed her audience to bounce in unison with its hypnotic thud, before two new songs closed the evening's surprise appearence.
First, No Light, No Light shared a similar sort of rhythmic pounding as Dog Days - except with an even bigger chorus - while Shake It Out, the most grandiose thing they've done and destined to become their calling card come next year's festivals, brought an end to the short, stunning set.
Florence And The Machine played:
Only If For A Night
Heartlines
What The Water Gave Me
Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
Spectrum
Dog Days Are Over
No Light, No Light
Shake It Out
Niall Doherty
Get our current issue, Q304, for the latest on Florence And The Machine's return. Not only is there an interview with the singer, but with the edition celebrating our 25th birthday, Florence Welch is one of 25 special cover stars.
Check out the Florence And The Machine cover, and the other Q25 covers, in our Q covers gallery now.
10:56 AM | 30/09/2011
More Photos Of:
Latest News
-
Q&a Tom Jones - on his new album, working with Jack White, covering Leonard Cohen and whether Elvis Presley would do The Voice
The real star of The Voice uses his voice to talk to about the show and his new album
-
Stone Roses record new songs, watch Lady Gaga's Simpsons song, Damon Albarn & Portishead collaborate, Green Day man plays Facebook chief's wedding... Daily Hot List
A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (22 May)
-
Bee Gees' Robin Gibb RIP (round-up) Muse carry Olympic torch, Mick Jagger plays with Foo Fighters & Arcade Fire, Jack White new record attempt, Citizens session, Crowded House drummer dies... Daily Hot List
A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (21 May)
-
Column - Robin's Reign: the remarkable career of the Bee Gees' Robin Gibb
Following the Bee Gee's death last night, Dorian Lynskey looks back at the singer and songwriter's multifaceted work
-
The Cult: 'Nirvana's arrival was like a nuclear bomb for rock bands' - Q311 extract
As the band release a new album today (21 May) they recall how Kurt Cobain and co made them split the first time - get our current issue for the full interview
-
Q's Week that was... Gaz Coombes, sports star who can sing, Great Escape, Donna Summer RIP, T In The Park, Zulu Winter, Niki & Dove & more
Here's what we've been up to this week...
Advertisement
User Comments
Post A Comment
fix the gig date...
Posted by Casey at 3:05 PM | 30/09/2011 | Report Abuse
Post A Comment