ACL Music Fest Friday Reviews

Florence + the Machine

Took longer than she would've liked, but Florence Welch entered 2012 as an important pop star. Her misty, powerful voice has its tendrils wrapped around both modern rock and NPR frequencies even though sophomore disc Ceremonials throws off any prayers of discreet songwriting. Her Machine thrives on omnipotence, swift to soften hardened hearts, sway doubters, topple charts. "I am done with my graceless heart!" Welch cries gracefully on "Shake It Out," moments before exploding into a chorus so unsubtle and soul-fluttering that it might owe Arcade Fire royalties. Ceremonials is gorgeous head-to-toe, making grand statements with heavy syntax, but paradoxically, it's light as air. A sight to behold that dissolves on the touch, but it feels too good to care. (6:30pm, Bud Light stage)