Post-High as Hope, alternative pop darlings Florence + The Machine returns with their first brand-new single of 2019, “Moderation.” 

“Then bow your head in the house of God / And little girl, who do you think you are? / You think you need it, you think you want love / You wouldn’t want it if you knew what it was.” Florence + The Machine returns sooner than later with their first, brand-new single post-High as Hope, “Moderation.” From the start until finish, “Moderation” is typical Florence Welch, and that’s a good thing.

Most of the Florence + The Machine cues run strong on “Moderation.” First and foremost, that distinct voice of Welch’s is on-point – no one sounds like her.  She’s highly effective on the verses, and highly energetic on the aforementioned chorus.  Speaking of the chorus, melodically, there’s a great descending chromatic line going on that only adds to the sheer awesomeness of this track.  In regard to the ‘moderation,’ it’s referenced in every section of the song, save for the bridge. On the first verse, Welch sings, “Want me to love you in moderation / Do I look moderate to you?” On the second, she asserts, “I never made it with moderation / No, I never understood.” Of course, completing the chorus, she repeats the word “moderation” three straight times, clearly placing emphasis on it.  Again, it is only the bridge that diverts:

“Girl, you better learn (I just can’t win)

How to hold it in (Can’t hold it in)

And girl, you better learn (I just can’t win)

I just can’t win (Can’t hold it in) …”

Final Thoughts

If you’re fan of Florence + The Machine, then “Moderation” gives you yet another reason to swoon and totally fan-girl (or fan-boy) over Florence Welch.  “Moderation” is another terrific record that easily could’ve appeared on any of the collective’s albums.  The wheel is not reinvented, but, how many songs are titled or centered on “Moderation?” Few.

Florence + The Machine • Moderation [Single] • Virgin • Release: 1.24.19

Photo Credit: Virgin