Florence and The Machine returned with their second album ‘Ceremonials’ two years after the success of their debut album ‘Lungs’. The album was bolder than the first and had a more defined sound, in short it was a brilliant accomplishment for Florence Welch. Having only done a couple of small shows after the release of ‘Lungs’ Florence and The Machine embarked on their first headline tour in the UK this year. After travelling several hours to join one of my best friends (and the best person I know :p) in Bristol we travelled to Cardiff for the show, bursting with excitement. It had only been a year since we had promised each other that we would go see Florence together no matter when or where. We knew before even going into the building that the show would be as amazing as we had always hoped it would be.

After we entered the building, with new merchandise and all we were greeted with Florence’s two supports. We weren’t familiar to either band so we didn’t know what to expect. The first support, Spector, were a fun and upbeat band who we enjoyed watching greatly. They were energetic on stage and had some very catchy songs under their belt. I can only hope that good things will happen to them in the future. The second support, The Horrors, were good live but were so melancholic that we felt like we just wanted to go home and sleep for days. Even though they were good musically we found it hard to enjoy ourselves because of this.

Everyone burst with excitement as the stage for Florence was revealed, there was an interesting backdrop where images could be projected on and there was also a backstage door for Florence. The instruments for her ‘machine’ were placed onto to the stage in such a way that they looked like an orchestra. The concert started soon after and  it’s safe to say my friend and I were in hysterics! We couldn’t help but sing at the top of our lungs and dance in time with Florence’s music. It was just magical. Musically I was impressed, most musicians aren’t as good, or as smooth, as their recorded music, but Florence was. She was just such a force on stage and was brilliant live. The crowd sang along whenever she asked, and whenever she didn’t as well, and her energy on stage was absorbing. It was clear that she loves what she does and that she is involved with every single part of it. I will stop gushing about Florence as I’m sure I could talk for England about how incredible she was live. The simple fact is that she is a fantastic musician that is here to stay, and I know I shall be seeing her live when she next comes around.

Written by Roxy Simons.