King is out now!
Image: Autumn de Wilde.
GRAMMY nominated British band Florence + The Machine have made their grand return with their superb new single, King. The release arrives alongside a stunning visual, directed by Autumn de Wilde
Heralded by front woman Florence Welch's bewitching vocals, the song dissects gender-defined roles, with a particular focus on womanhood and femininity, navigating the conflict of career vs family and thriving in both aspects. Building to a rapturous orchestral break, Welch stands her ground atop driving percussion that brings F+TM's signature qualities laced throughout, whilst also bringing a new sense of thrilling invigoration.
“As an artist, I never actually thought about my gender that much. I just got on with it. I was as good as the men and I just went out there and matched them every time. But now, thinking about being a woman in my 30s and the future… I suddenly feel this tearing of my identity and my desires. That to be a performer, but also to want a family might not be as simple for me as it is for my male counterparts. I had modelled myself almost exclusively on male performers, and for the first time I felt a wall come down between me and my idols as I have to make decisions they did not.” Welch shares.
The dramatic flair of the songs music video continues the Shakespearean meets mythological nature of the bands previous visuals, as we follow a cloaked Welch and her troupe of dancers throughout a desolate and cold landscape. Draped in the royal purple tone, there’s a sense of mystery to the clip, hinting it’s just the first instalment in a number of visuals set to arrive this album cycle.
King is out now! Watch the visual below.