This latest album from Florence + the Machine has a sense of reflection about it – but conveyed in an epically soaring way.
While the lyrics might be poetically captivating on this album, there is certainly a real sense of introspection to be found as well. From album opener ‘King’, to ‘Girls Against God’ Dance Fever has certainly a lot to say about refreshing your outlook on life through pain and dancing.
But it is also an album that is at its best when it is at its most simple and the music is allowed to soar beautifully – as heard on songs such as ‘Cassandra’ with its mystical quality or ‘Free’ and the way in which it just subtly begins to rise in tempo at the right time. It is moments like these that makes Florence + the Machine’s music so distinctive and so hard to categorise and completely fascinating to listen to.
With each song that passes, you are never truly sure what direction the album is going to take next – listen to ‘Back in Town’ or ‘Daffodil’ for example as neither song ends up quite where you expect it. in particular, ‘Daffodil’ is an intriguing song, that really allows Florence Welch’s vocal range to take flight and mesmerise.
While this is an album that is filled with highlights including the exquisitely structured ‘Heaven is Here’ and the utterly catchy ‘My Love’, there are a couple of interludes that somewhat distract rather than help keep the listener focused on the world created through this album. This includes, ‘Restraint’ which although deliciously dark feels a little bit odd (in my opinion) on the album as a whole, while the haunting quality of ‘Prayer Factory’ just doesn’t feel quite right in tone – but I’m sure there are many who would disagree with me.
This aside, Dance Fever is an album that is bursting with energy and feeling. With tracks such as ‘Choreomania’ and ‘ ‘Dream Girl Evil’ – I loved the change of pace on each song that keeps you on your toes to make for an enjoyable experience.
Overall, it is a welcome return for Florence + the Machine – a poetic and insightful listen from start to finish.
By Emma Clarendon
Dance Fever is available to buy now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐