In The Spotlight: Florence + The Machine have unveiled plans for a new live album, “Symphony of Lungs (BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall),” celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album “Lungs.” This collaborative project with Jules Buckley and his Orchestra promises a fresh, orchestral reimagining of the band’s early work.
Album Details: “Symphony of Lungs” is set for a two-phase release:
- Digital release: October 25th, 2024
- Physical release: March 14th, 2025
Consequence reports that the album features 17 tracks, including fan favorites like “Dog Days Are Over,” “Cosmic Love,” and “You’ve Got the Love.”
Concert and Recording: According to NME, the performance was captured on September 11th at London’s Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms classical music festival. Fans can preview the concert when it airs on BBC Two and iPlayer on Saturday, October 19th.
Florence Welch’s Reflections: The lead singer shared her thoughts on revisiting their debut album:
- “This album is truly an exhalation and a gasp — a cacophony of ideas and influences.”
- “To be able to go back to it, 15 years and five albums later, and have it still be so loved is the most extraordinary thing.”
Recent Band Activities: Florence + The Machine have been busy beyond this project:
- Released “Dance Fever” album in 2022
- Covered “White Cliffs of Dover” for Jack Antonoff’s “The New Look” soundtrack
- Florence Welch collaborated on Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Significance: This live album not only marks a milestone for Florence + The Machine but also showcases the enduring appeal of their music. The orchestral arrangements by Jules Buckley promise to bring new depth and grandeur to the band’s iconic sound. As Florence Welch noted, reimagining “Lungs” with an orchestra was “an act of enormous catharsis,” offering both the band and fans a chance to experience these beloved songs in a new light.
