The Dark and Magical Journey of Florence + The Machine's New Album
Florence + The Machine’s latest album, titled Everybody Scream, is set to be released on Halloween, a date that the band’s frontwoman, Florence Welch, finds deeply meaningful. “It was definitely intentional,” she says with a laugh. “I guess in the last album, there was sort of a dark fairy tale, and this one’s just a horror film.” The sixth studio album from the British indie rock band explores themes that are both mysterious and intense, drawing from her personal experiences and creative vision.
A Shift Toward Darkness and Mysticism
Welch describes the new album as having a darker tone compared to previous works. “There was a lot of themes that I looked at—magic, medicine, witchcraft. And it seemed really fitting,” she explains. The title itself, Everybody Scream, ties into the eerie and dramatic atmosphere of the project. “It also all rhymes, which really makes me really happy. Everybody scream, Florence + The Machine, Halloween. It’s very satisfying to me.”
The inspiration for these dark and mystical themes came from some of the most challenging moments in her life. Welch recalls a near-death experience during a performance, where she was unaware of the danger she was in. “I did have a near-death experience of some kind. How close I was, I don’t really know. You don’t know because I didn’t die. But it happened on stage and I was performing through it, completely unaware that this was going on, and that I was in that much danger.”
This event, along with other physical challenges like breaking her foot while performing at Coachella, shaped her approach to songwriting. “I’ve always thought of songwriting as a portal or there is a mysticism there,” she says. These experiences led her to explore deeper into the realms of magic and mysticism, which she sees as a form of healing.
Belief in the Power of Music
Does Welch believe in magic? She admits that while she doesn’t fully understand it, she believes in the power of music and performance. “I believe in the power of songwriting and performance as a transcendent exercise, where you potentially are tapping into something bigger than yourself that I don’t really understand.” However, as someone prone to magical thinking, she also emphasizes the need to stay grounded.
A Song Made for the Stage
The pre-released single “Everybody Scream” is designed to be a standout live performance. “That one was made for the stage,” Welch confirms. The song’s driving rhythm and eruptive chorus reflect the intensity of her career. “I break down, get up, do it all again / Because it’s never enough and she makes me feel loved,” she sings. Whether “she” refers to music, a higher power, or something else remains open to interpretation.
Welch has taken her physical preparation seriously for the upcoming world tour, which begins in February 2026. “This time I’m actually getting my feet ready. I’m in physio now, basically getting every bit of my body strong and ready for tour, which I haven’t done before,” she reveals.
A Blend of Sounds and Stories
One standout track, “One of the Greats,” combines elements of 1970s garage rock and grunge. The song reflects Welch’s journey in songwriting, where the process is both painful and rewarding. “The creative process kills you every time, and you’re never satisfied. And then you go and do it again,” she explains. “You bring yourself back from the dead to do it all over again.”
The album features a rich tapestry of sounds, blending modern instruments with ancient ones. On “Sympathy Magic,” powerful synthesizers and thumping drums create an immersive experience. Elsewhere, medieval influences can be heard, particularly on “Drink Deep,” where a choir specializing in medieval music adds an ethereal quality.
A Folk Horror Experience
Welch drew inspiration from medieval history, aiming to create a “folk horror feeling” in the album. “If they close their eyes, they can see the movie,” she says, referencing films like The Wicker Man or Midsommar. While the album may evoke a sense of unease, it’s ultimately a vibrant and emotionally charged pop and rock record. “Have your therapist on speed dial, I think. Have someone you can call after listening to it, I’d say,” she jokes. But she reassures listeners that the album isn’t meant to scare—it’s a powerful, atmospheric experience meant to be enjoyed.
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