The ethereal vocals of Lily Aron shape the song's emotion, with the lyrics drifting through a confused daze, especially in the chorus: "Dive slow and I'm trapped in the towers / And the ceiling's beginning to shower / So I guess it's fight or flight". It feels as though they're trapped in a dream - or, more realistically, a nightmare - unsure of what is happening around them or even who they're addressing. It also captures the feeling of getting stuck in your own head.
The production is once again exquisite, with the drums (Hannah Kelly) and bass (Ailbhe Barry) intertwining to add another layer of depth to the song, especially with the pace and build-up into the "seven-five-six-three" bridge. No one element seems too powerful or out of place; the blend this band has is unique, and scratches an itch a lot of alt-pop/soft-rock fans have been waiting for. Along with Emma Brandon on guitar, the band's talent shines through, and listeners will feel the effort Florence Road has put into the single, from the gentle beginning through to its powerful ending note.
Florence Road is proving to audiences why they are a must-watch band this year, and you can catch them on a packed run of festivals this summer, from Reading and Leeds Festival to Electric Picnic and Rock en Seine.
Francesca Wood
Image: '7563' Official Single Cover