Florence and the Machine - Hop Farm Festival
What is it about Florence and the Machine? I know deep down I should not be liking this music but after reviewing last years single 'Kiss With A Fist', Florence Welch and her band have captivated me and refuse to let go.
I am not sure what the Hop Farm organisers were thinking of by only giving her 35 minutes early on the first of this two day festival but she was without doubt the first person to wake the sun soaked revellers up. We here at Room Thirteen mentioned Florence and the Machine were one of the bands of 2008 and they are keeping that level going in 2009 too. Playing songs of the recent album such as the previously mentioned 'Kiss With A Fist', 'Drumming' and 'My Boy Builds Coffins' the set sizzled like the Kent weather.
The backing band, or The Machine if you prefer, played to the high standard expected of the direction Florence is headed. Special mention has to go to the bassist who seemed to be made to work hard with a plethora of instruments and the rare sight of a harp player at the front of the stage.
Wearing a flowing floral dress, which added to the ambience perfectly, Florence proved again she is going from strength to strength, just hope she keeps the rocky tunes in her locker and does not cave in to her peers. The only bad point of this set was the length of time allowed, think the majority of the crowd would have been happy to have more.