Florence + The Machine Go Bold on ‘How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful’

Stephanie Hernandez

With two hit albums under their belts, 2009’s “Lungs” and 2011’s “Ceremonials,” there was no doubt that Florence + The Machine would let a four year wait go to waste. Working with new producers, Markus Dravs of Mumford & Sons, Coldplay and Arcade Fire fame, the team was able to create 11 beautifully bold orchestral tracks. Since her sophomore album, front woman Florence Welch has been through the ringer as far as relationships go. Taking her tumultuous breakup as inspiration, she has managed to channel her wild emotions through a screen of maturity and finish with a record that is as cathartic as it is thunderous.

In the four years since the release of “Ceremonials,” the tribal beats have been paired down, the use of harps almost non-existent and in their place voluminous layered vocals, symphonic instrumentals, and building tempos. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” has given Florence the perfect venue to highlight both her mighty heart and lungs. The result is a record that evokes emotions that are eponymous with the record’s name. The album’s title track is full of brass fanfare, dramatic lyricism, and beautiful imagery that continue throughout the remainder of the record. There are quieter, more subdued tracks as well. “Long & Lost” begins delicately before building to its climax, as does the following gospel like “Caught,” keeping the theatrics going even when the tempo is slowed down. The brooding element to these slower songs manages to avoid becoming stale by the sheer directness of the lyrics and Florence’s capability to sing with believability, the listener never feeling that she is singing about anyone else’s pain but her own.

That being said, lyrically Welch hides behind nothing, which is best exemplified in the record’s first single, “What Kind of Man.” The track’s opening atmospheric introduction is the quiet before the storm, her metaphorical silence broken with the entrance of Welch’s warrior-like vocals, hard brass and punky guitar riffs. The dreamy start to the song is built up just enough for you to want release, which she gives you and leaves you asking for more. This tumultuous relationship is examined throughout the rest of the record, her anger and tenacity building the foundation for the remainder of the album, something only Welch’s lung power could handle. Though not every song shares the same fiery subject matter, the ballads on “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” are just as moving and give the record room to breathe. “St. Jude” pairs a steady almost heartbeat-like drumming with whispering vocals and synthesized instrumentals to give the second half of the album some ebb and flow. While the track “Delilah” evokes feelings of being taken to indie pop church, the listener has an almost instinctual inclination to begin clapping to the beat and singing along with the call and response styled verse, “I’m going to be free; I’m going to be fine.”

There is a little of everything on “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful.” Like any relationship there are the ups and downs and the release, all the stages are allowed to take center stage on this record. Just as this album took a few years to build up and let out, Welch’s ability to create slow building yet powerful tracks is a testament to her honest songwriting ability. The record is expansive and liberating, taking the time to tell poignant and personal stories while maintaining a high sense of musical drama. “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” could have easily alienated listeners but instead pulls them into Welch’s firm grasp.

“How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” will be available on iTunes June 2.