1st studio album from London's Florence + the Machine. Lungs was originally released in 2009, and it's a bold debut that combines rock w/ soul & baroque pop. Needless to say, Florence Wench's vocals deserve the most praise here. On singles like "Dog Days Are Over," "You've Got The Love," "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)," "Cosmic Love," and "Kiss With A Fist," her singing is raw, emotionally charged, and yet accessible, and the lush and string-infused instrumentation perfectly complement her voice and the unique melodies she creates. A fascinating record that hints at influences from Joanna Newsom, Kate Bush, Fiona Apple, and the likes.

• gatefold sleeve
• printed cardboard inner sleeve
• music label: IAmSound Records 2009

reviewed by thom tanks 07/2017