With a powerful voice and booming melodies, Florence and the Machine, led by singer Florence Welch, emerged full force in the UK music scene two years ago, debuting with her first hit, “Dog Days are Over.” Topping charts and rallying fans with her dreamy harp, and passionate lyrics that leave listeners feeling as though they are on the verge of emotional combustion. 

The first album, Lungs, traces the complicated matters of the heart and transcendental ideas that draw on the throws of life all of which are intensified with her powerful tribal drum beats. Songs from this album like “I’m Not Calling You a Liar,” “Rabbit Heart,” and “Cosmic Love” develop from her glittery, floating harp strums. More powerful tracks like “You’ve Got the Love” and the “Drumming Song” are immersed in dark, interesting rhythms.

The new album, Ceremonials, released last Halloween, is full of intense and captivating acoustics that place listeners in the middle of a gale-force wind of powerful choral lines and gripping beats. With a bit of a dark gothic undertone, Welch has created these tracks that tend to all passionate emotions. From inspiration, nostalgia, anxiety, lust, and ambiance, her anthems reflect her unique style as well as relate to anyone who has been caught up in humanity.

The most uplifting song, “Shake It Out,” begins with spirited tambourines and beautiful vocals backed up with resonating drumbeats and orchestral strings. Motivating and soul stirring, it is easy to see why fans put this track on top. Another euphoric anthem, “Heartlines,” develops with tribal chanting and her trademark drums backing up her bewitching lyrics.

The more ambient and “bluesy” songs, “What the Water Gave Me,” “Breaking Down,” and “Seven Devils,” are all delved in their own form of nostalgia and gloom. However, “Seven Devils,” immersed in eerie subdued discordant sounds, is the most provocative and dark. Restless and profound, “Spectrum” is a demanding melody of passion.

Just as love and heartbreak place themselves prominently in Welch’s life, her music is full of romance and attachment, creating a full spectrum. “No Light, No Light” narrates a booming, tribal toned explosion of heartache and anxious devotion. “Never Let Me Go,” another howling measure, heightens with soft echoing piano backed up by forceful drum lines and vocals. However, “Lover to Lover” is her most enchanting love song on the album. With a powerful piano backbone, and a fun bouncy rhythm, this song is full of spirit.

Since Welch released this 12 track CD, fans are beginning to see her in a new light. Coming from the dreary streets of London, her musical niche has helped her to transcend her home and land among the stars.

With a powerful style that makes you feel as though you will be blown from your seat, Welch’s unique indie-rock music is continuing to reach new heights. With parallels to Kate Bush, Tom Waits, and even Bjork, Welch has found her authentic self in a pop culture all too demanding.