It seems as though every second day a new indie-inspired band emerges of out some dingy British council flat.

Well, this time it's different. The hype surrounding Florence and the Machine, particularly around front woman Florence Welch, is quite overwhelming: and completely justified. Nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize, countless Q Awards, and taking home the 2009 BRITS' Critics' Choice Award leaves Welch with a few rather large notches on her belt and a lot to be proud of.

'Lungs', which held its own at number 2 on the British UK Albums Charts for five consecutive weeks is getting the attention it deserves. With an ever-growing fan base, it's easy to see why Florence and the Machine gets the European festivals up-and-dancing. With only one not-so-fantastic song to speak of, 'Between Two Lungs', this album is almost flawless.

While Welch's Sia-esque voice draws you in, her band captures your attention with off-beats, soothing keys, and power chords. From describing the smooth 'I'm Not Calling You A Liar', and powerful anthem-like, 'Howl' to the post-grunge first single 'Kiss With A Fist', and the harp-filled, 'Cosmic Love', one hasn't even begun to delve beneath the potency that is Lungs. Welch manages to merge neo-folk, pop and alternative quite effortlessly, giving old-fashioned instruments and slow-moving ballads a chance in the modern overly-saturated world of indie rock.

Inspired by a breakup with her now, surprisingly current boyfriend, Welch describes Florence and the Machine's debut as an album focused completely on the concept of love. "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 it out to be wacky. I just want it to be emotive."

And packed with emotion it is; Welch blends people-pleasing beats with heartbreaking lyrics, like "I never wanted anything from you, except everything you had", heard via Welch's wistful tones in 'Dog Days'.

Whatever you want to say about Welch's manic-depressive, over-the-top behaviour, the 23-year-old, red-headed eccentric is mesmerising. No wonder she's turning heads the world over.