Florence and the Machine's New Album to Be 'Crystal' Clear

In typically whimsical fashion, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine has stated that the follow-up to her Mercury-nominated debut 'Lungs' will be based around a 'crystal' theme.

'Lungs' was released in July 2009, and reached the top of the UK album charts in January 2010. Welch and producer Paul Epworth began recording material for a second album at the beginning of this year.

Welch told BBC Newsbeat, "There's a song called 'Spectrum' which has a lot to do with rainbows and prisms - so it has taken on a lot more of a crystal theme. I did a song inspired by these two atomic particles called 'Strangeness and Charm,' now everyone thinks I'm going to do an album about the periodic table -- which I'm not."

Welch also said that the new album, yet to be given a title or a release date, will see a change in lyrical themes.

The flame-haired singer said, "The atmosphere is quite tough, but the lyrics are moving away from Gothic horror toward something that's slightly more chemical. It's ages away from finished yet though."

Florence and the Machine are about to embark on a major tour of the UK and Europe, including festival slots at Barcelona's Primavera Sound, Isle of Wight Festival and Glastonbury over the summer. It kicks off at the Dublin Olympia Theatre on May 2 -- for the full set of dates, go to the band's official website.