In late summer of 2024, Florence Welch took the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform a full orchestral rendition of her debut album that has become a cornerstone in the world of indie rock. Released 15 years ago, Lungs marks the beginning of Florence + the Machine's journey, catapulting them to fame with its unique blend of ethereal melodies, baroque pop, and emotional rawness. Performing this record with a full orchestra was not just a celebration of the past but a powerful reimagination that breathed new life into the album’s already rich tapestry.
Lungs was released in July 2009, an album born from a storm of creative energy and emotional turbulence. It introduced the world to Florence Welch’s otherworldly voice and her ability to craft songs that felt both ancient and intensely contemporary. Tracks like “Dog Days Are Over” and “Cosmic Love” quickly became anthems, capturing the hearts of a generation with their soaring choruses and intricate arrangements. The album’s mix of vulnerability and strength, love and pain has made it a timeless classic, one that listeners have continued to return to over the years.
With its blend of emotional intensity, dark fairytale-like storytelling, and baroque pop elements, Lungs creates an atmosphere that feels as if it were lifted from a gothic romance novel, inviting listeners to confront the shadows within themselves. Welch's deep connection to mythological and supernatural imagery only adds to this sense of mystery and intrigue, making Lungs more than just an album: it’s a journey into the human psyche, where beauty and brutality exist side by side.
Filled with dark imagery and symbolism, Lungs stands as the first collection of cautionary tales in Florence + The Machine’s discography. Stepping into the world of Lungs feels like entering an eerie, enchanted forest where beauty and danger coexist. Throughout the album, Welch uses powerful metaphors to convey the emotional costs of love - broken hearts, bloodied feet, black eyes, and chipped teeth appear frequently, highlighting the raw and violent side of passion. Each song is layered with vivid imagery, capturing the chaos of human relationships, the fragility of life and the inner turmoil we face. The album’s layered production, combining pounding percussion with violins, harps, and xylophones and Welch’s haunting voice creates a swirling, dreamlike atmosphere leading the listener through this dark landscape.
Lungs is a killer debut that introduced and established Florence Welch as one of the most unique voices in music. Its mix of raw emotion, deep lyrics, and lush production makes it an album that still hits hard today. The way it captures both the beauty and chaos of life, all while keeping that sense of grandeur, mysticism and magic, is what makes Lungs an unforgettable standout and a must-listen.
Over the last decade and a half, Florence Welch has evolved as an artist, but the essence of Lungs has always been present in her work. The themes she explored in her debut: love, heartache, spirituality, and the sublime power of nature have remained central to her music. As she took the stage during her BBC Prom, it was clear that this performance was not just a trip down memory lane but an opportunity to revisit and reinterpret the work that started it all.
The orchestral setting conducted by Jules Buckley provided a lush and expansive backdrop for Lungs. From the opening notes of “Drumming Song,” it was evident that this was not merely a live reproduction of the album, but a reimagining that elevated the material to new heights. The orchestration allowed for a richer exploration of the album’s emotional landscapes, turning familiar tracks into grand, cinematic experiences.
Florence Welch’s performance was as captivating as ever. Her voice, which has always been the centerpiece of her music, was even more powerful against the orchestral arrangements. She moved through the songs with a mixture of reverence and raw emotion, at times seeming to channel the same energy that fueled the creation of Lungs 15 years ago. The audience was entranced as they sang along to every word while the calming feeling of nostalgia spread over the room.
Revisiting Lungs in this way was a reminder of why the album has endured. Its themes of love, pain, and transcendence are universal, and the music itself is timeless. The orchestral rendition added a new dimension to these songs, highlighting their complexity and the genius of their composition. It was a testament to Florence Welch’s artistry that she was able to take something so familiar and make it feel new again.
As the final notes of “Dog Days Are Over” echoed through the venue, there was a sense of closure, but also of continuation. Lungs may have been the beginning, but it is far from the end. Florence + the Machine have come a long way since 2009, but the heart of their music, the spirit that Lungs first captured, remains as vital as ever. This performance was not just a celebration of what was, but a powerful statement of what continues to be: an artist in full command of her craft, with a legacy that only grows richer over time.
WORDS NATHALIE ULBRICHT
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