Florence and the Machine’s New Video, ‘Breaking Down’

At first glance, I thought she’d hopped on the Twilight bandwagon again, but no, it’s her latest video for the single Breaking Down taken from the Ceremonials album.

Breaking Down is a song about loneliness, more specifically, the loneliness Florence felt during her time spent in Los Angeles. You’d think the record would be depressing, but on the contrary it’s quite light and melodic. Actually, every time I listen I feel like I’m going into a trance…

In fact, the video depresses me more than the song. There is Flo, lounging around in the sun, playing tennis in the sun, look poignant in the sun. Whereas I’m cooped up in the house staring wistfully outside, having to make do with the rain. The lovely July rain. Hmm…

Anyway, back to the video. Breaking Down reminds me of Instagram, having that pulled-from-the-archive, vintage look, which I think is supposed to fit into the song’s reflection theme of Los Angeles, yet there are homages to different parts of America in the video (such as Louisiana). Plus,  there are a few stars and stripes flags dotting around. That couldn’t have something to do with the video being released just before the 4th of July, right?

Enjoy! (Although, I warn you, you will get sun envy.)