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Florence and the Machine's debut, Lungs, dropped earlier this week.

PREVIEW: Florence and the Machine’s “Kiss With a Fist” MP3

Breakthrough British sensation Florence and the Machine are taking the world by storm overnight—  almost literally.  The trio’s debut album Lungs was only released two days ago and its already received outstanding acclaim overseas thanks in part to the BBC, as well as singer Florence Welch’s haunting, ethereal sound.

She has Adele’s soulful pipes with Kate Nash’s often brutally honest lyrics, but don’t let all the red hair fool you — Florence is completely her own.  Single “Kiss With a Fist” begins sounding like the playful, sing-songy White Stripes’ ballad “We’re Going to Be Friends,” but with a much darker hue as she eerily sings about domestic abuse.

Also off the album, the very relate-able “Hurricane Drunk” has a similar sound to the standard USA feel-good country anthem, but with way more sophistication, thanks to the harp accompaniment.  The entire album is so unique, it’s more than worth the $7.99 it’s selling for on iTunes.

It’s no wonder the band’s performance at Glastonbury in June drew a huge crowd— Florence is the type of frontwoman whose sound is magnified by performance; her gyrations and sways as well as vintage attire and fiery red hair complete the music.  This also holds true for her music videos: the mythical, Urban Outfitters-esque images in “Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up)” perfectly complement the song.

Definitely check out Florence and the Machine’s Myspace, complete with Florence’s cover of Beyonce’s single “Halo.”  Though it may at first sound too similar to the original, Florence’s wobbly range eventually makes this interpretation strangely addicting.

– Carly Wolkoff, Managing Editor