Florence and the Machine - Ceremonials CD

"Ceremonials" is the eagerly anticipated second studio album by the incredible singer Florence Welch, under the recording name of Florence And The Machine. This record is the follow up to her incredible number one debut album "Lungs", which was released in 2009.

The album has taken on new life in its musical direction, bringing more soul in to the equation and less indie, allowing Welch's voice to truly bring forth the beauty of her talent and lyrics. The album appears to be somewhat ethereal in musical quality, with Welch's distinctive vocals becoming almost transcendant when combined with the powerful melodies scored throughout the album.

Featured on this record is the amazing lead single "What The Water Gave Me", a beautiful slow song which swells and bursts in to an electrifying explosion of melody and echoing vocals which will leave you covered in goosebumps. Also included is the album's second single "Shake It Out", a slow and steady drum beat heavy tune, which effectively incorporates the tambourine to provide depth. The use of group backing vocals enswathing the chorus allows it to stand out above all else, and turn this song in to yet another soulful, explosive anthem.

These singles are brilliant teasers as to what to expect from this album, which judging by Florence And The Machine's previous musical success, means this record is just as incredible as the first, if not more so. (Cat Emerson)