FLORENCE + THE MACHINE - Ceremonials

Two canonical years after "Lungs", an album that started out quietly before becoming a long-seller, a hit-single factory and an award magnet (Brit, Grammy and Mercury included), comes "Ceremonials", a record awaited with the highest expectations that, fortunately, doesn't disappoint. Rest assured straight away: if you turned your nose up at the chorus of lead single "Shake It Out", don't worry, you've just stumbled onto the album's blandest moment.

"Ceremonials" is an excellent, intelligent pop record, unusual and never predictable, full of songs that are pleasant to listen to, easy to hum along to, the kind that will stretch your lips into a smile.

Welch's powerful voice is obviously still the protagonist, but more measured. Always, rightly, front and centre, but the moments where it rises up to make itself heard, to assert the presence of a Florence-as-frightened-child battered by life, have now been dissolved by a Florence-as-woman who is both self-aware and profound.

The backing vocals are also present in a different way: on "Lungs" they were the voices in Florence's head unsettling her, whereas now, instead of screaming against her (and at us), they're her allies; on "Ceremonials" they're there to support her ("Leave My Body", "Breaking Down").

The "anatomical" lyrics have also been abandoned, making room instead for feelings, self-awareness, spirituality ("Seven Devils", "All This And Heaven Too") and broader, more "airy" atmospheres ("What The Water Gave Me", "Shake It Out").

If "Lungs" was a record musically devoted to irony and fun, and lyrically to Welch's relentless self-dissection in search of her most visceral fears, "Ceremonials" is the result of great artistic and personal growth, and you can feel it. The impression is that, musically speaking, Florence + The Machine are starting to take on their responsibilities.

Despite points of contact with the previous record ("No Light, No Light", "Heartlines"), some may find this album less immediate, less playful and more reflective than expected, but that doesn't make it any less catchy, engaging or enjoyable.

The feeling "Ceremonials" leaves once you've played it through in its entirety is one of renewed impatience for the next record, which we expect to be even more mature, perhaps close to perfection.

On shop shelves (yes, really!) there's also a deluxe edition. The second CD contains eight tracks, four of which are gorgeous unreleased songs (I love "Landscape" - a shame it was ruled out from the start for inclusion on the first CD), a demo version, and three tracks in an interesting acoustic version. Highly recommended.

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29/10/2011