Live Review: Florence & The Machine

In town for a Splendour sideshow at State Theatre, Florence + The Machine treated a few lucky media and fans to a secret show on a sunny Friday afternoon at Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Flanked by the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Bridge, the intimate stage offered the perfect setting for the one-off performance.

Looking beautifully boho, Florence took to the stage clearly taken aback by the views, giggling and joking with her fellow band members as they started off with new hit single, Ship To Wreck. The pared-back instrumental version allowed her epic voice to shine, punching out some stunning vibratos across the clapping crowd.

Her gentle, giggling voice, in stark contrast to her singing voice, convinced the crowd to provide the backing vocals for Shake It Out while a gleaming golden harp adding some beautiful tones. New track, Queen Of Peace followed, starting off a little wobbly as she admitted it was the first time it had been played live as an unplugged number, but quickly getting up to speed.

What Kind Of Man followed before her classic Dog Days Are Over finished off the set with everyone clapping and singing along before a very gracious Florence thanked everyone for coming along and allowing her to perform in such a beautiful space.

After a brief exit, Only If For A Night from second album, Ceremonials, was the encore that finished the set to rapturous applause. What a fantastic way to spend a Friday afternoon.