In case you had no idea, I am very much a fan of Florence Welch. Lungs grabbed me, Ceremonials had good highs, and How Big How Blue How Beautiful is a desert island album for me. But I will not pretend I did not feel nerves for this release.
The singles have not impressed me on their own existence. The title feels alarming, and she announced one of her main producers as Jack Antonoff. He can be extremely hit or miss. I am not sure Welch is meant for another drowned indie-esque 80s wannabe reverb. My expectations actually shifted...to just about zero upon not feeling connected to any singles.
But in this moment I remembered Twenty One Pilots and Trench. I did not like the pre-album singles, but the album being more conceptual and inspired of a story, sounded better as a full body. I then appreciated the songs. I am hoping this is the case. Despite my love for her, I am not afraid to suggest a failure of her artistic working.
The album opens with "King", which seems honestly an odd opener. At the same time, I am not sure I fully connect or understand the concept.
The next song "Free" was also a single and it still sounds like utter crap to me. The song does not fit her at all and makes me think of what he did with Melodrama. I hate Melodrama as an album.
We finally get to the first new song with "Choreomania", which is better than the pre-release singles but does not feel particularly special or stand out. It is actually a bit repetitive even.
"Back in Town" for how mellow it is and how lyrically small it is feels entirely too long.
When early critics discussed there being country elements to certain tracks, I gasped and said no. "Girls Against God" in fact proves the elements are there and I don't think I was prepared at all. Secondarily for an album titled Dance Fever, I have barely heard something danceable. This song is so slow and lacking.
"Dream Girl Evil" is the first song to impress me at all, and it reminds me so much of Lungs era Florence. The cryptic lyricism is enticing as well. She knows how to make a good semi-sensual track.
Okay "Prayer Factory" being an interlude practically feels like a crime, because it sounded so solid but it just felt cut off abruptly.
"Cassandra" is starting to build this album up better. This has more of a How Big How Beautiful vibe to it, sort of toward Queen of Peace mixed with elements of High as Hope. It feels familiar yet unique. I enjoyed this track.
"Heaven is Here" was a short pre-album single and still does not grab me.
"Daffodil" is a strong track. The lyricism is probably the most profound I have heard yet on the album, with the very unique instrumentation. Definitely a stand out track.
"My Love" is the only pre-album single that caught my attention much at all. Very much in the vein of the upbeat Ceremonials style of tracks. It still sounds like her as well.
"Restraint" is another interlude like track. To be honest these are not adding anything to the album. It did not end up being very conceptual in any sense so they just feel like unnecessary filler.
I cannot think of the exact track, but for some reason "The Bomb" is reminding me of a slow Paramore song. That is absolutely bizarre that the beginning made me think of Paramore. The song just feels...not very to her typical sound.
"Morning Elvis" is the closer and it feels as strange as the starting track. This album ended up being a bit like reading David Copperfield. You are unsure how anything changed or what the point exactly was...
Lyrics: 5/10 - I didn't ever imagine giving lyricism a subpar rating, but in many places the album is more repetitive than meaningful.
Music: 5/10 - This album has some strong musical highs but falters in other places.
Overall: 5/10 - I want to appreciate this album but I do not feel connected with it at all. I would return to 3 tracks. The second half of the album is stronger than the first section. I am deeply disappointed in the release.
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