Reviewed by: Clinton Camper

September 27, 2022 at Moody Center

Florence Welch is always moving when she performs. The captivating British singer-songwriter is constantly on her feet, her body using as much space on stage as possible, all while singing with unshakable glee. We were lucky to witness Welch’s enchanting moves and hear her signature voice with her backing band The Machine at the 15,000-capacity Moody Center on Tuesday evening (September 27th).

The London native transformed Moody Center into a sort of spiritual revival tent for the night. In the years since her band Florence + the Machine’s 2008 breakthrough hit “Dog Days Are Over,” they have built an extremely loyal, worldwide following. FATM offered 12 of the 14 tracks from "Dance Fever," which is about the revelatory powers of dance. Welch has explained that the project was inspired by choreomania, a medieval European practice where you have the uncontrollable urge to dance, especially in a frenzied, convulsive manner.

Between her Titanic vocals, Welch, 36, spoke in a remarkably soft voice. She pointed out that much of "Dance Fever" was written during the pandemic when her anxiety was at its highest.

Welch resurrected songs from earlier albums, including the springy "Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)," the swaying "What Kind of Man" and the electrifying 2009 hit "Dog Days Are Over," during which she paused and asked the fans to put away their cellphones so that we could really experience the moment.

For Welch, this appearance on her current North American tour was highly emotional and liberating. We can’t wait to catch her the next time she floats through Austin.