Alternative darlings Florence + The Machine makes fans even ‘hungrier’ for their highly-anticipated fourth album, ‘High as Hope’ with intriguing advance single, “Hungry.”

Following a three-year hiatus, Florence + The Machine is back! In 2015, Florence Welch and company compelled with “What Kind of Man”, arguably the crowning achievement from their third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. With “Sky Full of Song”, Welch gave us a taste of how High as Hope will sound like upon is June 29, 2018 arrival.  Second single “Hunger” only whets the palate more.

First and foremost, Florence Welch sounds as commanding and soulful as ever.  She has a beautiful, expressive, and powerful instrument on her hands without question.  Early on, the robustness of her voice shines on “Hunger,” truly packing a punch by the ‘hungry’ chorus.  If there are no other takeaways from the chorus, the voice is stellar.

Thankfully, there are other selling points beyond the lead vocals.  The production is magnificent, fusing vintage pop, soul, and ‘alternativeness’ (for lack of a better word) together.  In addition to the instruments, the backing vocals certainly propel the lead to soaring heights, which is certainly worth mentioning. Furthermore, the songwriting plays a pivotal role in the success of “Hunger.” The hunger Welch possess is love. She begins the record reminiscing on her teenage years, something that sets the overall tone.

“At seventeen, I started to starve myself

I thought that love was a kind of emptiness

And at least I understood then the hunger I felt

And I didn’t have to call it loneliness.”

Final Thoughts

Two singles into High as Hope, Florence + The Machine seems to be on the upward trajectory, which is the expectation.  Arguably, “Hunger” eclipses previous single “Sky Full of Song,” if only by the slightest of margins.  Great vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and excellent production make “Hunger” something all Florence fans should be ‘starving’ for.

Florence + The Machine • High as Hope • Virgin • Release: 6.29.18

Photo Credit: Virgin