ACL Fest 2015 Sunday Record Reviews – Second Weekend
Florence + the Machine
How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (Island)
Reviewed by Abby Johnston, Fri., Oct. 9, 2015
We've seen the optimistic Florence Welch. The UK drama queen's need-no-man approach is documented on singles "Kiss With a Fist" and "Dog Days Are Over," focusing positivity on the aftermath of heartbreak. Third LP How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful dispenses with that ethos, embracing the raging/wallowing period that's delivered through biblical and Greek mythological references, and Welch's charged pipes. "Delilah" employs a wailing Welch waiting for a phone call, while the belted "Queen of Peace" proves she's anything but. Sometimes we need to let it all hang out. (8:30pm, Samsung stage)