Pitchfork

She hit me, and it felt, well, better than not being touched at all. Domestic violence sounds as if it goes both ways in Florence and the Machines' rambunctious debut single, "Kiss With a Fist". Florence Welch's forceful, smoky voice was ear-catching enough on her cover of Bruce Springsteen's "I'm Goin' Down", only this time she's singing her own words. Like rock'n'roll itself, they're rebellious and destructive for no apparent reason: "You smashed a plate over my head/ Then I set fire to our bed," the English singer yowls, making the UK's reigning bad girl Amy Winehouse sound unambitious and fellow youthful up-and-comer Kate Nash seem excessively prim by comparison. There's a bluesy garage-rock accompaniment, perfect for hittin' stuff to, plus a sing-song melody befitting (speaking of bluesy garage-rock) the White Stripes' "We're Going to Be Friends". The provocative song title will no doubt bring out the usual well-meaning PSAs, but it's Welch who wants to kick your ass.