While the music of Bat for Lashes may have an inherent gothic quality, I wouldn’t break out the black trench coat and somber demeanor right away. Instead, the dark atmosphere created by Natasha Khan possesses an air of romanticism. As her voice bounces off the walls of the haunted house it urges you to follow instead of fear the ghostly lyrics.
A relatively new addition to the world of indie music, UK artist Bat for Lashes released her first album, Fur and Gold in late 2006. Producing 4 singles, it wasn’t until the last, “What’s a Girl to Do” that she started to gain some momentum in the States. The album displayed definite potential, but with her second release, Two Suns in 2009, Natasha Khan was able to focus her haunting atmosphere into a cohesive space.
Easily making several Top Albums lists of 2009, Two Suns is an oddly beautiful mix of the ominous and the desire to dance. Low persistent beats and bass lines inspired by Progressive Rock fuse with the gypsy-like harpsichord and distant tambourines that echo the image of Jacob Marley carrying his chains. The influence of innovative female musicians such as PJ Harvey and Björk is evident in the music of Bat for Lashes, but Natasha Khan possesses a unique style that seems more than capable of creating a distinctive place in their talented company.
What do you think of the gothic atmosphere created by Bat for Lashes? Do you think it is too dark for commercial radio?
If you like: Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Mazzy Star, Annie Lennox, A Perfect Circle
Check out: Bat for Lashes (start with the singles of Two Suns and graduate to Fur and Gold)
Feeling brave: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Karen Elson, PJ Harvey, The XXAI Level: Advanced