Review: Florence and the Machine's "Ceremonials"

"Since you can't give me a hug personally, I'll do it for…

October 31, 2011|By Matt Pais | RedEye

***1/2 (out of four)

Undeniable facts about Florence and the Machine frontwoman Florence Welch:
>> Incredible, haunting voice
>> Natural, dramatic performer

Things I assume Welch never does:
>> Look anywhere but upwards
>> Close her arms
>> Speak quietly

Differences on the British group’s sophomore disc, “Ceremonials,” compared to its excellent debut, “Lungs”:
>> More echoing background voices. Is this an album or a ceremony? Oh, right, that title.
>> Less anger. (Worldwide success will do that to you.) Even the melancholy words of tracks like “Lover to Lover” soar with the catharsis of a woman who seems like she eventually will overcome any setback.
>> Fewer animal references. Which is good, because I was worried about her rabbit-sized heart being able to handle those dog days.

What’s the same:
>> Sometimes Welch’s lyrics ring true; other times it’s unclear what the devil she’s talking about. Rarely does that diminish the enjoyment of the full-band, harp-accentuated sound that could (and hopefully someday will) fill a medieval banquet hall.
>> A lingering spookiness in tracks like “Seven Devils,” which could conjure a cauldron out of thin air. Probably.
>> The songs’ persistent excesses make the album very hearty to digest all at once. Ears (and, uh, stomachs) be warned.
>> A consistent stream of powerful, beautiful songs that make you feel like you should be frolicking through the woods on the way to an enchanted castle, not sitting at your desk. Frolic in the office at your own risk.

In concert: Dec. 4 at Chicago Theatre

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