Ben Houdijk

MUSIC

Florence + the Machine Deliver Gorgeous New SiriusXM Performance

Shutterstock/Landmark Media

Florence Welch, frontwoman of Florence + The Machine, came to a Spectrum Session, where her band performed four songs: “My Love,” “Free,” “Big God,” and “Jealous Guy.”

Shutterstock/Tinseltown

Florence + the Machine released their fifth studio album, Dance Fever, on May 13. The record was produced by Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Dave Bayley (Glass Animals). The gothic fairytale that is Dance Fever contains a whopping 14 songs.

Welch’s band made an in-studio appearance to perform two tracks off of Dance Fever: My Love” and “Free.” “Big God” is off the band’s fourth studio album, High as Hope.

Florence + the Machine’s final song has arguably achieved the strongest praise. The band performed “Jealous Guy,” a cover by the late John Lennon (The Beatles), which appears on his second studio album, Imagine (1971). Welch’s breathy cover is a beautiful rendition honoring the late musician. She is backed by an acoustic guitar, harp, and piano, which effortlessly elevated the performance along with her gorgeous vocals.

This is not the first time that Welch and her band have tackled a famous cover. She shared her version of “Search and Destroy”(1973) by Iggy and the Stooges. The “Morning Elvis” singer took to Instagram to express how influential Iggy Pop is to her musical career, particularly when making Dance Fever. She writes, “Iggy Pop was such a presence on this record. From the tension of “King” to the baritone growl of “Restraint,” we wanted to pay homage to him.” Her cover appears on the Dance Fever (Deluxe), released on May 18.

Welch discussed the concept of having to work harder than a male in the industry. She expresses this message regarding her single “King” stating, “As an artist, I never actually thought about my gender that much. I just got on with it. I was as good as the men and I just went out there and matched them every time. She adds, “I had modeled myself almost exclusively on male performers, and for the first time, I felt a wall come down between me and my idols as I have to make decisions they did not.”

Congratulations to Florence + the Machine on an incredible record and new cover. Fans do not want to miss the band on tour this year. Be sure to secure tickets now.