REVIEW: Florence and the Machine has raised the bar

‘Ceremonials,’ the newest album from the soulful rock band, Florence and the Machine, has upped the standards for vocalists everywhere. Florence’s voice charges through the air faster than Aaron Rodgers can launch a football to the end zone.

Thunderous percussion, spectacular strings, echoing keyboards,and rich guitars lay goosebumps over your skin as the music escalates into a spine-tingling crescendos.

Since the band’s most well-known hit, “The Dog Days Are Over,” began to fade from our radios, we expected them to be just another bunch of “one-hit wonders.” However, the magical melodies and soulful singing bring spirit and life to inspirational lyrics.

In the new album, released this October, Florence Welch’s vocals cross between a passionate Adele and an emotional Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay.

Her traditional choir style comes out in the songs “Shake It Out” and “What the Water Gave Me.” In “No Light, No Light” and “Heartlines,” distinctive drumming strengthens a more subdued style.

Fluctuating between feelings of joy and sadness and fury, you will be blown away by the emotions stirring in your soul. The sonic bonfire ignites when you first put in your headphones.

Turn up the volume and let the goosebumps commence.