Florence + the Machine Perform Stripped-Down ‘What Kind of Man’ on ‘Colbert’

Over the summer, Florence and the Machine returned with their third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, and last night (Sept. 6), they took to the Late Show With Stephen Colbert stage to perform a stripped-down rendition of the LP’s lead single, “What Kind of Man.”

Frontwoman Florence Welch’s vocals manage an impressive balancing act that is somehow equal parts ethereal and absolutely commanding, requiring little else to accentuate her impressive pipes. As such, Welch was only accompanied by a harp, acoustic guitar and very minimal keyboard for the performance -- notably subdued in comparison to the original. Watch for yourself in the video at the top of the page.

Welch and company recently launched a North American tour with an appearance at this year’s Austin City Limits, which will take place again this weekend (Oct. 9-11). Then, she has headlining dates scheduled through the end of the month, culminating with a set at New Orleans' Voodoo Music and Arts Experience on Oct. 30. Welch is set to headline the festival along with Modest Mouse and Jane’s Addiction. Check out Welch’s complete tour itinerary on her website.