Florence And The Machine to stop off for double date

ONE of the biggest stars of 2009 has announced a tour of the UK, with two dates at Wolverhampton.

The last 12 months have been amazing for Florence And The Machine.

She's sold 700,000 copies of her album, her debut record hit the top spot in the UK charts, she's earned three Brit nominations, and she's played sell-out shows.

Now 2010 looks set to be even better as the 23-year-old announces her Cosmic Love UK Tour.

Florence And The Machine are Florence Welch and her band.

London-born Florence, pictured right, grew up in Camberwell and is the oldest of three children.

She is a mass of contradictions: she's tough yet she's terrified, a bundle of nerves and passion, of darkness and pure joy.

"I feel things quite intensely, which is why the music has to be so intense," she says.

"I'm either really sad or really happy, I'm tired or completely manic. That's when I'm at my most creative, but it's also dangerous for me. I feel I could write some good songs, or break some hearts. Or tables. Or glasses."

As a performer she can seem fearless, but she's also far too quick to pass judgment on herself. But she's something increasingly rare and precious in a time of karaoke pop: an artist who has found her own, authentic voice.

Her soaring, epic vocals, quirky melodies and self-contained musical world have already won her the 2009 Critics Choice Award at the Brits.

Some compare her to Kate Bush. You'll also find touches of Tom Waits and Nick Cave in her dark visions, and if you heard a little of Bjork too, she'd find it a compliment. But, mainly, Florence is out on her own: an exhilarating place to be, she points out, but also a little scary.

Her debut album Lungs features songs full of Gothic imagery, of fairytale flights of fantasy, and although much has been read into her lyrics, Florence says it's usually simple.

"Everything is about boys!" she laughs. "The whole album is about love – and pain. People see my lyrics as crazy, but to me it's an honest, heartfelt album. I didn't set out to be wacky. I just want it to be emotive."

Florence And The Machine perform at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on May 10 and 11.

Tickets are £18.50. Call 0870 320 7000 to book.