Bat for Lashes is the pseudonym Natasha Khan, a Pakistani-Brit raised in Brighton, England.
Two Suns is her second album. I was first drawn to Natasha because I admire and enjoy the sounds of artists such as PJ Harvey, Björk and Tori Amos, all of whom Natasha Khan emulates quite fervently.
Two Suns is a well-produced slice of chamber pop and progressive metal, featuring heavy basslines and floorboard percussions ("Two Planets," the most Björk cut on the album); the piano-laden and snaring "Travelling Woman" which owes itself to PJ Harvey; and the opener "Glass" which seems to be an amalgamation of all her aforementioned music heroes. Natasha Khan does wear her influences on her sleeve, doesn't she?
Were it not for Natasha's strong songwriting and savvy (check out her album cover: a cross between Gen Y art student and mother earth hippie -- there's even a carefully put hint of cuteness via the track "Daniel," about Natasha's supposed obsession with
The Karate Kid; awww), accusations of being yet another young artist with nary a useful or new thing to say would not be completely without merit.
Two Suns is a fun listen, and I find the sultry Natasha singing about loneliness and your usual post-modern afflictions rather giddy and addictive, especially on a cold night.
Standout tracks: "Two Planets," "Travelling Woman," "The Big Sleep".
(To listen to the entire album, check out my
blog.)
