by Jessica Price - SGN A&E Writer

FLORENCE + THE MACHINE
WHITE RIVER AMPHITHEATRE
July 21

A trek to Auburn's White River Amphitheatre takes a leap of faith for any concert tour, let alone one complicated by recent news that British singer Florence Welch had suffered a vocal injury resulting in several canceled festival dates. But Florence + The Machine's triumphant appearance last weekend at the venue was easily one of the best live performances of the year. The instant she materialized from behind a stained-glass-like screen and launched into 'Only if for a Night,' it was apparent that Florence wasn't suffering any vocal setbacks whatsoever. Miraculously, the unpredictable Northwest weather held out, providing a perfect evening in which Florence + The Machine could enjoy a summer breeze, and the full house could in turn enjoy a night of relentless, magnificent diva worship.

White lights cast star-like rays from the art deco background and a gentle fan continuously swirled Florence's pink print empire waist dress around her as if she were floating rather than standing barefoot on stage. 'What the Water Gave Me' and 'Cosmic Love' effortlessly showcased her dramatic contralto vocal range. Perhaps in a wink-nudge to the sorceress comparisons she often draws with her bewitching red tresses and otherworldly lyrics, she paused, calling on the audience to offer some 'human sacrifices': specifically, for the audience to raise a friend or loved one on their shoulders during 'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up).' The floor-level crowd, already on their feet, obeyed enthusiastically. Before 'Breaking Down,' Florence acknowledged her vocal injury, saying that recently she had been 'broken' herself. No further assurance was needed as she flashed a megawatt smile and blasted on through 'Heartlines.'

Though she often draws comparisons to Kate Bush, Flo's soulful delivery of 'Leave My Body' seemed more akin to Annie Lennox, especially in light of her ethereal appearance and porcelain skin. The tightly edited set focused mostly on her latest album, Ceremonials, with only three songs from Lungs - including 'Dog Days Are Over,' which neatly transitioned from 'Shake It Out.' London-based harpist Tom Monger accompanied throughout. The set ended with a simple two-song encore of 'Never Let Me Go' and a stellar 'No Light, No Light.'

With the Ceremonials tour, it's clear that Florence Welch is a diva in her prime. Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, Grace Slick - the matriarchal lineage is plentiful. Yet Florence, not quite 27, is quickly carving out her own niche as if she were a superhuman amalgamation of all these female idols in one petite and willful package. Though her 2009 debut, Lungs, scooped up multiple awards and elevated Florence to a newfound level of stardom (some may recall she even performed in an oyster shell for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel), with 2011's Ceremonials she is a songstress hitting her stride. The album and its superb namesake tour are only a jumping-off point. Where Florence goes from here depends only on where her wild imagination takes her - and perhaps just a pinch of witchery.

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