Just like a white wing dove, and with killer pipes and spewing power and emotion: Florence Walsh of Florence + the Machine.
by Paul O’Donnell
As a New Yorker today we are often plagued with the feeling that we missed out on something. There’s always so much going on, where else should I be right now? Or did I get to NYC 15 years too late? Have I missed an era or all of the monumental moments? Last night proved that wrong when Britain’s Florence + the Machine took the stage at the classic Bowery Ballroom. Wow.
First, haunting Holly Miranda opened the show for Florence. Missing her sidekick violinist Marques Toliver, but backed up by guitarist Tim Mislock and the infamous Nada Surf she sent goosebumps though the crowd from beneath a veil of overgrown bangs. Her performance was spectacular and had an edge of heavy rock that came slightly close to matching the razor sharpness of her voice. Miranda is definitely someone to watch, and last night she was the perfect intro to Florence + the Machine.
So here goes…
Florence’s first real New York show, supporting her just-released CD Lungs (which is brilliant), introduced the audience to someone who will be remembered. A new Courtney Love mixed with Stevie Nicks, Florence pelted out vocals that were jaw-dropping while whirling around her flames of red hair contrasted against a white dress of flowing magic. Surrounded by disco-ball twilight Florence banged on a drum, put both hands in the air a la Eva Peron and let out some of the most beautifully awkward notes that made you wonder if you should cry or laugh nervously…
Sigh. Ladies and gentlemen, it was amazing.
Read more, including the Top 9 highlights of the Flo show after the jump!
Our author’s camera phone pic from last night. He titled it “Touched by an Angel.”
I’m biased, but truly: Every song was flawless. Florence’s outfit was flawless. She was modest and sweet with an ever-trusting British accent, yet vicious and strong.
Last night’s show is in my list of top three concerts I have ever seen. No lie. If you missed the show last night, I am very sorry.
AND… My top 9 highlights of the Florence + the Machine show were these:
1. The dress. Oh my. Her entire band was wearing all black and Florence stepped out with a flowing, layered, sheer white dress with long bell sleeves. She made those layers spin and flow and… Oh my god, I wanted to try that thing on.
2. Her hair. Fire red and whipping around. I mean, seriously. She flipped it and messed it and every girl in the audience was getting the itch to do the same. And every guy wanted to go home and put a wig on.
3. The audience. Everyone had a favorite song that seriously spoke directly to them. And you could see it on their face when it came on. Hearts broken and new loves found were seen around the room and strangers connected with a “this is my song too.” Someone random person even hugged my friend after “Cosmic love.”
Yes, Florence can smile and have fun on stage, too.
4. The “acoustic” version of “I’m Not Calling You a Liar” came with on single note that lasted so long the bar window at the Bowery could have shattered. When it ended the audience was left weak like after a great orgasm. Searching for a cigarette.
5. The harp. There was a harp; a real harp, and the show ended with a harp solo!
6. The guy in front of me, who while taking a photo with his cell phone, revealed that his phone desktop image was a pair of green suede pumps.
7. The sequined pheasant on stage. Placed perfectly on the harp.
“Drumming Song,” please…
8. Florence had her own drum. And she would bang it and put the other hand in the air and tilt her head back and you could see every camera in the audience go off at once.
9. The disco ball. It spun around slowly and was perfect, but during “Cosmic Love” it suddenly stopped when she said “twilight” and the reflections made shimmering stars and it could not have been more perfect.
St. Florence sez: “Arise and go in peace.”
Click through to watch some of Florences’s amazing music videos. And for more dish, killer pics and another recap of last night’s show via Brooklyn Vegan.
And somehow, Flo and her crew made their network TV debut on Letterman last night, too. Have a look!
