In 2006, Natasha Khan, aka Bat For Lashes, released her debut album Fur And Gold. However, it was not until she appeared on the (formerly less bloated and more focused) Culture Show in February 2007 that I paid her much attention. Her voice, the arrangement, her character, the performance and the overall song were all utterly individual and completely captivating; almost instantaneously substantiating the old adage that first impressions really do make the strongest of impressions. Later that same year she and her band appeared at Glastonbury, performing a stunning (televised) set drawn from the Mercury nominated album. As well as showcasing what a unique and formidably talented performer she is, this performance, for me at least, also served to qualify and validate my opinion that Natasha Khan is a truly remarkable artist.
In 2009, Khan released her second album, Two Suns, garnering further critical acclaim, another Mercury Music Prize nomination and a wider audience. Familiar themes of love, relationships, treasure, celestial bodies and dreams continued to run through her song writing but the new material definitely highlighted a more accomplished, assured Khan expressing herself with a justifiable confidence.
The latest album from Bat For Lashes, The Haunted Man, is a another move forward for Khan. It still plays on her strengths and yet again reminds us what a terrific singer-songwriter she is. This time around she has also employed the skills of some prodigious talent (Beck, Rob Ellis, Adrian Utley) as well as trusted producer David Kosten to aid and abet her to make another stunning album.
Continue reading: Bat For Lashes - Haunted Man Album Review