"Moderation" is a song by British band
Florence and the Machine
Florence and the Machine (stylised as Florence + the Machine) are an English indie rock band that formed in London in 2007, consisting of lead vocalist Florence Welch, keyboardist Isabella Summers, guitarist Rob Ackroyd, harpist Tom Monger, and ...
, released as a single on 24 January 2019 through
Virgin EMI Records. The digital release includes the B-side "Haunted House". It is the band's first new material since their fourth studio album ''
High as Hope'' (2018).
Background
"Moderation" was debuted during a concert in early January 2019.
Critical reception
"Moderation" was called a "huge, cinematic stomper with gospel handclaps and a gigantic Florence Welch vocal performance at its center" by ''
Stereogum
''Stereogum'' is a daily Internet publication that focuses on music news, reviews, interviews, and commentary. The site was created in January 2002 by Scott Lapatine.
''Stereogum'' was one of the first MP3 blogs and has received several award ...
'', while "Haunted House" was described as "restrained" in contrast to "Moderation", as well as "softer and more tender".
Jon Blistein of ''
Rolling Stone'' called the songs "brazen", further writing that "Moderation" is a rumbling piano-driven tune" about Welch confronting a "tepid lover", and "Haunted House" is about Welch "tackling the voices that keep her up late at night over a sparse arrangement that swells into a jittery blend of piano, drums and backing vocals". ''
Consequence of Sound'' called "Moderation" a "rousing number", while "Haunted House" was labelled "spooky ''and'' sad". ''
Billboard
A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...
'' said "Moderation" "starts with a bang, a rousing intro", and that "Haunted House" "reveals Welch's somber side, with a tender piano accompanying Welch's lilting voice".
Track listing
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
2019 singles
2019 songs
Florence and the Machine songs
Songs written by James Ford (musician)
Songs written by Doveman
Songs written by Florence Welch
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