A spell was cast over Sirromet Wines when Florence + The Machine brought their global 'Dance Fever' tour to A Day On The Green (18 March).
Returning to Australia after four years in support of their fifth studio album 'Dance Fever' (2022), the internationally acclaimed, genre-defying, multi award-winning English indie rock band fronted by the enigmatic Florence Welch invoked the elements of earth, air, water and fire.Ethereal in a diaphanous, pale-pink gown with floating sleeves that stirred images of swaying Anthelia coral, flame-haired Welch embodied the divine feminine, transforming from an air punching, fearsome force in the opening song 'Heaven Is Here' to a kneeling, waif-like maiden later on at the beginning of 'What Kind Of Man'.
Backed by her six-piece band including a harpist and violinist, and framed by draped candelabras, Welch singlehandedly commanded the stage.
Image © Sonia Bettinelli
Running, jumping and pacing the length and breadth of her personal dance floor, the bewitching, barefooted frontwoman ended many a song in mesmeric spins reminiscent of Stevie Nicks' trademark twirls.
Welch's breathtaking vocal range and diversity was showcased throughout the discography-spanning set list, from the rollicking British pub song-like 'Kiss With A Fist' to the clear crowd favourite 'Dream Girl Evil'.
Love and connectivity were the themes of the night, with Welch pausing the show multiple times to urge fans to turn to those around them to express appreciation, to embrace our shared humanity, and to give thanks to Australia for being the first country outside of the UK to adopt Florence + The Machine as their own.
Togetherness was most sensed personally during 'Dog Days Are Over', with Welch hushing the crowd mid-song to invite fans to crouch down in unison, before cueing us to burst upwards as one when she next launched into the chorus with the word 'run'.
Image © Sonia Bettinelli
Returning to the stage for the encore, Welch explained that (until the 'Dance Fever' tour), the following song hadn't been sung live in ten years. Cue my unbridled joy when the opening chords of my favourite Florence + The Machine song 'Never Let Me Go' began, and I, like many others, was swept away by the atmospheric oceanic ballad.
The upbeat closing tracks 'Shake It Out' and 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)' broke the reverie, and after a heartfelt farewell, the magnetic Welch and her unassuming band drifted out of sight.
Making my way out of Sirromet Wines, the only thing missing for this greedy punter was the opportunity to sing and dance my heart out to 'Spectrum (Say My Name)', however this minor lament couldn't quash the lingering feelings of utter enchantment.
