7/10

Over the years, Florence Welch has found herself topping the bills of many festivals throughout the world, largely for her captivating vocal presence and anthem musical direction. And while their third album 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' saw them lose a lot of the magic from their first two LPs, they have now completely reworked their atmospheric touch as they return with their fourth studio album 'High As Hope'.

Rather than force out yet more of the fist-pumping, foot-stomping indie-pop that has dominated their catalogue so far, 'High As Hope' sees them adopt a far calmer intention. The record's lead single 'Hunger' may have sounded like a strong return but it remains largely the black sheep of this release. The majority of the new album sees Welch control her soaring vocals in a more progressive way, that leads this record down a road of slower yet simple serenades that aim to display the maturity and forward-thinking approach she has taken this time around.

This may be a strong turning point in the sound of Florence + The Machine, but thankfully it is still one we can get behind. Fans will probably not take to this as well as past material, but it still manages to show its teeth when it can, even if they are wrapped in veneers now.