Florence and The Machine

Through my blog I have introduced you to some of my passions; hair, beauty, my dog and my boyfriend.  However, one passion I have not yet shared with you is my love of music.  Like the majority of little girls I was a pop princess and loved Spice Girls and boybands, but as I got older I fell in love with bands who wrote their own songs, who played their own instruments and weren’t manufactured. 

I’d say I really started getting into music when I was about 14/15 and I became a proper little emo/indie girl.  My first proper gig was Blink 182, they weren’t great live, but Sugarcult who supported them were immense.  I discovered The Killers and Hot Fuss is one of the best albums of all time in my opinion.  The songs on that CD helped me through many different phases in my teens; the death of my nana, boy trouble, hormone hell etc. 

When I left school and went to college, the friends I made were still Pop Princesses and RnB lovers and I fell out of touch with real bands.  A couple of years later I stumbled upon Lungs, by Florence and Machine and fell in love.  I listened to that album daily, on repeat, during my journey to class.  I disappeared into the ethereal world that Florence creates with her haunting voice and story weaving lyrics.  Lungs, to me, is up there with Hot Fuss, and I’d even go as far to say that it beats it.

Last year, a colleague told me Florence and The Machine were playing at the arena.  I had no one to go with but I bought two tickets anyway.  I then found out that one of the girls I was friends with at work loved their music too, she had been going through a hard time and I asked if she’d like to go.  About two weeks before I got the set list and made us both a mixed CD with the music and listened to it constantly. I have to say it was the best gig I have ever been to.  I was ecstatic, I was emotional.  One point I’d have a smile on my face, the next tears swimming in my eyes, and then goosebumps from head to toe. 

Alice & I at Florence and the Machine gig.

That girl can sing, no gimmicks, no voice enhancing doo dahs (I’m not technical), just incredible talent.  This was the Ceremonials tour.  The music is far more haunting than Lungs, there really is something magical about their music.  Their songs tell stories, they are clever; full of metaphors and similes.  Listen carefully and you will find the story behind the magical songs.

Anyway, I’d really recommend you all listen to Florence and The Machine, don’t just listen to the songs that have been in the charts, buy the album, listen to the lot.  I assure you that you will not be left disappointed.  I’d actually consider getting dirty and sleeping in a tent to see them live again – big step for me.

Who are you favourite bands?

Lauren x