New release explores experimental sound

Florence & The Machine has moved from the body to the soul with sophomore album Ceremonials, and the band’s sound is more spiritual and polished. There’s more spectacle and grandeur, but the record doesn’t shirk introspection and subtlety.

In Ceremonials, Florence & The Machine evokes religious imagery, such as cathedrals, prayers, devils and sinners, without forfeiting its pagan luster; what Ceremonials holds divine is inspired from within.

For fans captivated by the sound of Florence & The Machine’s debut record Lungs, it might take two or three listens to truly appreciate Ceremonials, as the album certainly lacks the animalistic bite and bloodlust of the band’s first release. The new songs won’t set listeners’ teeth on edge the same way “Girl with One Eye” or “Howl” did.

Similar to Lungs, however, Ceremonials will grow on listeners, revealing more layers and nuances with each listen.

Ceremonials begins with “Only If For A Night,” a solid song that sets the emotional precedent for the album. The song tells the story about a dream singer Florence Welch had of her deceased grandmother. Welch’s echoing voice swells over piano, violins and cellos as she hauntingly reminisces over loss and love.

The beginning of the album is slow in comparison to Lungs, which begins with the catchy hit “Dog Days Are Over,” but the emotional and mystical weight on “Only If For A Night” cement it as the appropriate album-opener.

Next on the album is “Shake It Out,” the record’s first official single and easily its most stunning song. “Shake It Out” starts off slow and haunting, building anticipation lyrically until it finally delivers an exquisite punch with an explosive and impassioned chorus.

The beginning lines — Regrets collect like old friends / here to relive your darkest moments / I can see no way, I can see no way / And all of the ghouls come out to play — are poetic and rich, simultaneously evoking pain, fear and beauty. “Shake It Out” completely embodies the spiritual grandeur the album strives to achieve.

Ceremonials’ experimental sound sets the album apart as a new work of art. A number of the songs are spookier with gospel-tinged organs, sour-sounding string sections and low thrumming guitar lines.

But the band hasn’t strayed too far from the familiar. The airy harps featured on some of the transitional songs are still present, as well as the pounding, rhythmic drums that lend themselves to emotional weight and urgency, but the scarcity of these instruments makes them all the more potent. In addition to familiar instruments, the intensity that marked certain songs on the first album has carried over and manifested itself in the track “Seven Devils.”

If long-time Florence & The Machine fans need something more to sink their teeth into, “Seven Devils” is it. The track is characterized by a sharp, unsettling piano melody that sounds redolent of an old horror film.  With lyrics like Holy water cannot help you now / A thousand armies couldn’t keep me out / I don’t want your money / I don’t want your crown / See, I’ve come to burn your kingdom down, the song conjures a much-needed eeriness. The song’s message is vengeful and deadly and the tone is dark, showing off Welch’s beautiful and urgent voice.

“Lover To Lover” doesn’t quite fit in the album, but it’s still a lively, soulful song that sounds like classic gospel with its organ, tambourine, drums and clapping.

The penultimate track “All This And Heaven Too” brings an emotional impact second only to “Shake It Out.” It evokes yearning and introspection, still sounding completely euphoric. Welch smartly avoids conventional trappings, as the song could have easily become a typical love song about another person. Instead, the song goes a step beyond, examining a personal understanding of one’s own heart.

Listening to Ceremonials is a dark, spiritual experience with enough euphoria to make it emotionally satisfying and even a bit overwhelming at times. Welch’s powerful voice leaves you wanting nothing more and the compelling, abstract lyrics contain almost all of the richness found on Lungs. Though it’s not quite as strong as the band’s debut, Ceremonials is still an impressive release.