Despite being very excited for its release, Florence and The Machines debut album Lungs didn’t set my world apart. Despite having quite a range, it felt only half completed and had a slightly wrong song selection from their catalogue at the time. Their follow up Ceremonials was mooted to be more cohesive as it was recorded in one session (unlike lungs which was spread across several). Ceremonials doesn’t really change anything for me though. It’s definitely a more cohesive version of their chamber pop sound than Lungs, albeit a bit darker and slightly more fuller formed, but it doesn’t seem to have the excitement or passion of the debut. Even in its weaker moments you could feel the hear that had gone into Lungs, but Ceremonials just comes off as monotonous and lifeless. There are a few good songs, but nothing stands out at all. 4.5/10
Pick Tracks: What The Water Gave Me, Breaking Down, No Light No Light.
