October has been a fantastic month for rock fans, with the release of The Last Dinner Party’s new album and now, after three long years, Florence + The Machine is back with a new record: Everybody Scream.
First formed in 2007, the band is fronted by singer-songwriter Florence Welch. Over the past 18 years, they’ve released countless songs, becoming a well-established name in the indie rock scene and the broader music world.
Throughout her extensive career, Welch has developed a unique style, instantly recognisable to fans, and built a loyal following. She’s now also working on a Broadway musical: an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby.
Everybody Scream marks a departure from Welch’s previous work. Reflecting on her career and life following a near-death experience during her last tour, she has described this album as a contemplation of those events and her future. As with many of her previous releases, Everybody Scream transcends being mere songs; it is poetry self-actualised.
The title track opens the album with the ethereal, epic quality fans have come to expect from Florence + The Machine. The song speaks to Welch’s relationship with her fans and their collective energy, particularly the “screams” she receives while performing.
“Here, I don’t have to be quiet,” she sings. “Here, I don’t have to be kind, extraordinary and normal all at the same time. But look at me run myself ragged, blood on the stage, but how can I leave you when you’re screaming my name?”
Much of the album delves into Welch’s internal struggle: the need for rest versus the compelling urge to perform, knowing the profound impact her music has on herself and others. This theme continues throughout, with tracks that explore grief, personal reflection, and the magic of music.
“Witch Dance” stands out as a beautiful, raw exploration of loss and mortality. It’s a haunting piece, grief-stricken yet tinged with power, reflecting on life’s fragility and the inevitability of death.
One of the album’s highlights, “Sympathy Magic”, feels like a spellbinding lift from the ordinary world. True to its name, the track is an enchanting experience, driven by Welch’s haunting vocals and delicate instrumentation, which feel both otherworldly and familiar.
Sitting in the middle of the album, “Buckle” is a poignant ballad. The title holds a double meaning: it speaks to the metaphorical ‘buckling’ of the heart for another person, and the steadfastness of remaining with them—like a buckle holding things together. It’s a deeply emotional track for anyone who has loved someone who feels far away.
Welch has always imbued her work with an archaic, mystical quality, and “The Old Religion” is no exception. The orchestral arrangements, from the strings to the drums, create a sense of allure and wonder, evoking the feeling of running wild through an ancient, enchanted forest.
Everybody Scream is Florence + The Machine’s sixth studio album, and it’s clear that their music has only improved with time. The framing and narrative behind this album are rich with new meaning, offering a story that feels fresh and worth discovering. Florence Welch, with her poetic sensibilities, epic orchestrations, and ability to breathe life into her art, has once again created something truly remarkable.