4/5 The release of this version of the hit debut from the UK's Florence and The Machine was timed to coincide with a July 29 New Zealand gig.
Originally released one year ago, Lungs struck a blue/soul/rock-inflicted melodic chord with the fickle UK music press, looking for the next big thing tohype.
Before it was released, Florence Welch and her band (The Machine) had impressed critics with her stylish quirk and voice. She also impressed the punters.
Here was a female singer/songwriter not obsessed with her milkshakes or booty, writing from the perspective of a soured relationship tinged with domestic violence. There's a rhythmic, primal simplicity to Welch's songwriting that just makes you want to slap your knees, clap your hands or shake the dust of your redundant butt. Does the extra CD breathe new life into Lungs? Not really. You get four new songs, of which only two - Birdsong and Swimming - sound as if they could have made it on to Lungs, plus there are some "fan only" demos/alternative versions. Still, some judicious iPod playlist editing and you have yourself one hell of an album.
