Ceremonials by Florence And The Machine

Ceremonials is Florence And The Machine's much anticipated second album. The follow up to her hugely successful debut album, Lungs, was always going to be a difficult task. Ceremonials is much in the same vein as Lungs: similiar sound and layers of instruments, and of course Florence Welch's powerful voice. But, although Ceremonials is a decent album and will please many Florence and the Machine fans, it does not quite hit the same heights as Lungs. There are a couple of great tracks, most notably the haunting ballad 'What The Water Gave Me', and 'Lover To Lover', a catchy number which allows Florence to show off her impressive vocal range and power. There is also 'No Light, No Light', full of emotion and energy, which strikes a tasty chord. The follow up to a successful debut album is judged to be something of a poisoned chalice but there are enough good songs on Ceremonials to keep Florence's mojo alive and well. An atmospheric, aspiring, bold album with some notable highlights. 7/10