Florence + the Machine have begun teasing new music with a striking, eerie clip on social media. The video shows Florence Welch in a red dress digging a hole in a windswept, desolate landscape before emitting three visceral screams as she appears to uncover something. The first release tied to this campaign is scheduled for August 20 and will arrive via Republic.
Welch and her band last released an album, Dance Fever, in 2022. Recent studio clips show Welch working with Mark Bowen, guitarist of IDLES, who previously collaborated with her to co-produce a cover of No Doubt’s “Just a Girl” for season two of the Showtime series Yellowjackets. IDLES also remixed the Dance Fever track “Heaven Is Here”; Welch has described IDLES as one of her favorite bands and praised the shared sense of connection, live intensity, and “joyful rage” between their approaches.
Florence + the Machine have been largely off the road since a September 2024 performance of their 2009 debut, Lungs, with orchestra at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Welch did appear onstage in June at Glastonbury for a surprise set with the Maccabees, but otherwise the band’s live activity has been limited ahead of this new release.
Additional comments:
– The imagery in the teaser leans into theatrical and darkly cinematic territory, hinting at a dramatic or narrative-driven single and visual campaign.
– Bowen’s involvement suggests the new material could lean into rawer, edgier production elements while retaining Florence + the Machine’s signature sweeping atmosphere.
– While August 20 is confirmed for the upcoming release, it’s not yet known whether this is a standalone single or the lead-off for a larger record campaign; fans should watch official channels for follow-up announcements and possible tour dates.
Logical explanation:
– The use of a short, unsettling clip is a common strategy to create buzz and speculation ahead of a single; teaming that with a known collaborator like Bowen both validates the tease and broadens potential audience interest by signaling fresh sonic directions.
Summary:
Florence + the Machine have teased a new release arriving August 20 via Republic, sharing a haunting clip and revealing recent studio work with IDLES guitarist Mark Bowen after a period of limited live activity.
Hopeful spin:
After a quieter stretch off the road, this return looks poised to combine Florence Welch’s theatrical songwriting with bold new production choices—promising an exciting next chapter for fans.