If a new rock club ever opened up in Sherwood Forest, one would suspect British group Florence And The Machine would be the house band.

Despite the fact a harpist -– plucking a rather large one at that -– was seated to the right of singer Florence Welch throughout the 70-minute set, most of the numbers came across rather soulful and poppy to a sold-out crowd Monday night at Toronto’s Mod Club.

Okay, make that slightly medieval-era soulful and poppy.

With a large green, flowery backdrop, flowers on the drum riser and flowers wrapped around Welch’s microphone stand, the group – touring behind their debut album Lungs (nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize) – kicked things off with Between Two Lungs, an initially haunting song fuelled by the singer’s Kate Bush-meets-Adele vocals.

Backed by a five-piece group, most of whom lived up to their moniker with a rather autopilot stage presence, the charismatic Welch often thanked the crowd between songs, giving a little bow before prancing around barefoot in a black dress to the dark yet melodic My Boy Builds Coffins.

And on the final stop of the North American trek, Florence And The Machine didn’t really save one of their best for last, doling out the terribly catchy, rabble rousing Kiss With A Fist which had Welch punching the air before pounding on a drum beside her.

Part of what makes the band so alluring is how they’ve managed to quickly make strides without falling into a genre or category. But whatever it is, generally it strikes a positive chord with the listener. This was particularly true on the one-two combination of Are You Hurting The One You Love (a non-album b-side) and especially a stirring rendition of the Cold War Kids’ Hospital Beds showing Welch’s vocal depth and range.

Thankfully, the diva-like octave gymnastics were nowhere to be found, with the singer often pouring herself into songs such as the slow-building Drumming Song and Howl, at times bending over to proverbially push the notes out of her.

While the audience responded loudly to most of the songs, the highlight was Dogs Days Are Over which started off with all clapping along to the fun, poppy ditty. Here Welch – looking like she was possessed by preacher-like fervor – encouraged everyone to jump on cue which they eagerly agreed to several times as the house lights came on.

Telling the audience that it was a pleasure to play for them and later on thanking everyone who kept the tour running smoothly, Florence And The Machine concluded the main set with Blinding and You’ve Got The Love which left Welch holding out the microphone before briefly heading offstage.

Returning a few moments later and ensuring most of those in the front left with one of the flowers on stage, the group called it an evening and tour with Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up).