I was due to see Florence + the Machine pre-Christmas. Unfortunately, the week that I was due to see the show, Florence broke her foot during the London gig, and the rest of her European tour was postponed.
To my joy, it was quickly rescheduled and I saw her in Leeds at the weekend. Gone were the spectacular costume changes of previous tours but in their place was an eerie and engaging set (three candelabras are taking centre-stage and, perhaps, an altar inspired by Miss Havisham), as well as a really clever use of projections and screens.
The concert was carried by her infectious energy. Florence floated, ran, and danced around the stage for nearly two hours and that energy never let up for a moment. The set list was mostly from her new Dance Fever album but her big hits (‘Dog Days Are Over’, ‘Kiss with a Fist’, ‘Shake it Out’ and ‘Rabbit Heart’) were huge crowd pleasers that had everyone dancing along with her.
The gig seemed like a religious experience to many in the crowd, with Florence acknowledging her cult leader-like status. She cupped audience members’ faces, and held their hands.
This album is Florence’s reaction to the COVID years, inspired by researching choreomania, the experience of literally dancing oneself to death, and watching too many horror films; dance fever is here to stay and so is Florence.
Have you been to any good gigs lately?
