Florence And The Machine Reign At Belsonic

Twirling around the stage like a possessed ballerina Florence Welch and her well oiled machine cast a spell over the crowd at Belsonic, in Belfast's Custom House Square, last night, writes Gilli Kane.

Rain pouring from the heavens failed to dampen the singer's hauntingly beautiful voice as it filled the open space to showcase her impressive vocal range - sounding as good live as it does on her album. She was the Queen of last night's show, opening with the atmospheric Drumming Song that immediately gripped the audience.

The Flame haired siren is no stranger to the summer festival circuit either, in fact she's played Glastonbury four years in a row and her debut album, Lungs has shifted over four million copies and she's a new fashion icon, so it comes as no surprise that the show sold out in a matter of days.

Dressed in a gothic cream gown - with long flowing sleeves - you could see where the Kate Bush and Enya comparisons originate.

The crowd seemed to have learnt her 13 track album off by heart as they sang along to chart topping tunes like Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up), You Got the Love, Cosmic Love and Kiss with a Fist in addition to non-hits such as Between Two Lungs and My Boy Builds Coffins.

Flo topped off her 'reign' last night with the glorious Dog Days Are Over. As she belted out the song she commanded her subjects to all jump in unison, her trademark trick, she quipped.

(GK/BMcC)