In a triumph for indie rock, Florence + The Machine released their album, “Everybody Scream” on Friday, Oct. 31.
Florence Welch, the English lead singer of the band, has established herself as “One of the Greats” as proclaimed on the second track of the record, staying relevant in the music industry for almost two decades.
Much to fans’ excitement, Welch is one of the few alternative artists that has remained true to her original sound for years. Often producing eerie rock pop hits, this album encapsulates her past sound, while still remaining unique with some larger production songs and new thematic matter.
Welch explores the darkness of loss and the struggle of balancing fame and life, as well as critiques patriarchy in “Everybody Scream,” all while sounding angelic and whimsical.
The album was fittingly released on Halloween, as many lyrics on the album reference witchcraft, magic and the supernatural.
Opening the album on a powerful note is title track, “Everybody Scream.” “Everybody Scream” sounds like something straight out of a coven’s ritual; it is beautiful and dark. but upbeat enough to dance to. The song was released as a single in August and is currently the band’s fifth most-streamed song on Spotify. The popular artist Ethel Cain sang backing vocals for this track.
Choosing one standout song on this album is extremely difficult, but tracks two and three may take the cake for best on the album. Both songs are upbeat and characterized by Welch’s strong vocals and seductive instrumentals.
The previously mentioned “One of the Greats” reminisces on Welch’s career and the journey she has gone on to make it this far, which has not always been easy. Lyrics like “I did my best, tried to impress, my childhood dream made flesh” and “It must be nice to be a man and make boring music just because you can” are telling of Welch’s passion and efforts for her art.
The next track, “Witch Dance,” is one that touches on magic and desire. It starts out very fast-paced with breathy vocals, almost as if Welch is running from something. However, there are beautiful slow transitions present throughout the song that hit just as it is building up tension.
The song is euphoric and transcendent, nothing short of a trademark Florence + The Machine song.
Following are nine more beautiful tracks ranging from mellow to energetic. The album runs for a total of 49 minutes, making it a brief but powerful work of art.
Standout tracks that come later in the album are “The Old Religion,” where Welch expresses frustrations in her life and wishes for freedom, “Drink Deep,” which is somewhat obscure and one of the darkest sounding songs on the album and “You Can Have It All, ” which best showcases Welch’s powerful belt.
“Sympathy Magic” and “Music By Men” are most reminiscent of early Florence + The Machine songs found on albums “Lungs” and “Ceremonials.”
“Everybody Scream” is Welch’s response to her pain and resilience, following traumas such as an ectopic pregnancy she experienced in 2023. It is a magnificent body of music that was driven by pain and turned into something beautiful to listen to.
Rating: 4.5/5