The debut album from Londoner Florence Welch and her multi-talented band may have been built up to the point of alienation over the last few months, but the truth is, it's rare to find a debut album as self-assured and expertly delivered as 'Lungs'. Stylishly arranged and sharply produced, finally, here's an album that lives up to the hype.
An advocate of the Bat For Lashes school of music, Florence focuses on resounding drums, clattering rhythms and their relationship with her intoxicating female vocal, here enveloped in colossal choruses, strings and harp. Tackling subjects from deepest lust and domestic violence to self sacrifice, guilt and hope, this is a indisputably dark record, despite its predominantly upbeat pop tone. Of course, its darkest moments transpire in its stripped back, bare punk numbers - the Whites Stripes style raw distorted guitar of 'Kiss With A Fist' and the sweltering depravity in Florence's interpretation of London post-punk rockers Rum Shebeen's 'Girl With One Eye'.
You can hear Jefferson Airplane in Welch's sultry and resolute cry, even before you discover that Grace Slick is one of her all time idols. Gospel and soul influences are tangible at every turn, particularly in the full and emotive choral backing vocals that sweep through most tracks, but also in the swirling melody of 'Hurricane Drunk' and the offbeat rhythms of 'Drumming.' Meanwhile, twirling harp and electronic effects create truly epic show-stoppers in 'Cosmic Love' and 'Blinding'.
The most triumphant feat of 'Lungs' is its ability to marry these more capricious traits with catchy, dance-worthy pop hooks. The brazen physicality of 'Howl' would delight on any dancefloor, while 'My Boy Builds Coffins' is an enigmatic toe-tapping wonder. The only thing it lacks is a tender tear-jerker, and well, that's hardly a complaint at all. 'Lungs' is downright hair-raising, undeniably sexy and deliciously addictive. Very possibly the album of 2009.
