Pure ethereality... That's what a Florence + The Machine show is.
Florence Welch captivated from the second she arrived at Riverstage for the first of two shows (22 January), seemingly floating and wearing a billowing dress, opening with 'June' from latest album 'High As Hope'. What followed was a magical evening that truly made me appreciate the beauty of music and its ability to unite thousands of people from all walks of life.
It was almost as if the breeze in the air was caused by Florence herself; as if her sheer existence was enough to trigger the elements. Sidenote... There's actually a video online that proves this could be more than just a theory. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised. See for yourself:
Sure she's an incredible vocalist, but even the way she spoke was utterly bewitching... This woman's stage presence? Other-worldly.
One thought that kept crossing my mind was 'give this woman a bigger stage!'. This is a group that undoubtedly belongs in an outdoor performance space under the moon, but Florence's dance moves – which truly seemed to come from deep within her soul as a response to the music – were barely able to properly shine on the one small, rectangular strip that she moved backwards and forwards on.
Nevertheless, she made the most of what she was given as the melodies took her away from her mic stand and even, at one stage, through the centre of the general admission audience and to a small platform midway up the grass.
Image © Kalem Horn
Classics such as 'Dog Days Are Over' and 'Queen Of Peace' were intertwined with newer songs 'Hunger', 'South London Forever', 'Patricia' and more. As per the studio versions of her tracks, her vocals were expectedly equal parts commanding/overpowering and soothing/velvety.
The 'High As Hope' tour also presented me with something I've (sadly) never witnessed at a live show. An entire song where not one phone could be seen filming... As per Florence's request. “If you see someone on their phone, just tap them on the shoulder and say 'excuse me, could you please put down your phone, we're having an experience',” she said. “Or you could just say 'put your f...ing phone away!!!'”.
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And with that, 10,000 people experienced a moment of pure, uninterrupted joy and dancing. Not only that, but throughout the evening we were also asked to hold hands with a stranger, embrace a stranger... You can tell this woman sees music as not only something to listen to, but also to feel. And boy, did we feel.
What a stunning evening of organic sounds provided by an extremely talented band... Framed and fastened by Florence's exquisite vocals.
