Bat for Lashes - Two Suns, Album Review

Bat for Lashes is a one woman act consisting of British singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Natasha Khan. ‘Two Suns’ – her second album - was released back in April 2009 and slowly, but surely, has been rising in popularity – also leading her to receive a nomination for Best British Female Solo Act at the Brit Awards 2010.

Voice is Khan’s primary instrument, it inviting us into her world from the get-go with a soft vulnerability that enthrals the listener. The opener begins acapella, draws us in (“I will rise now / And go about the city”). Inspired by her travels and composed across the globe , ’Two Suns’ invites us to join the protagonist on her travels from a cityscape to a countryscape which is particularly evident from ‘Two Planets’ and ‘Travelling Woman’. The album begins softly with ‘Glass’ as she immediately draws us into the haunting atmosphere. Voice is Khan’s primary instrument, it inviting us into her world from the get-go with a soft vulnerability that enthrals the listener.

‘Daniel’ is relatively up tempo in comparison to the rest of the album. My favourite song, and is about her childhood crush, Daniel LaRusso from the Karate Kid.

She talks a lot throughout of Pearl, her alter ego. She distances herself from this character while at the same time acknowledging that Pearl is one side of her personality. ‘Siren Song’ and ‘Pearl’s Dream’ – both of which have Pearl as their protagonist – are lyrically beautiful, portraying the sense of loneliness, longing and bewilderment that oftentimes accompanies one on their travels.

I thoroughly enjoyed this album however it’s a grower. Upon first listen it is quite forgettable but once it has been played a few times its hard to stop listening. The haunting sound of Natasha Khan’s voice, consistent throughout the album, has what it takes to give the willing listener a healthy bit of escapism.

With the recent Brit nomination received by Bat for Lashes it seems that Khan’s efforts as a composer, vocalist and instrumentalist haven’t gone unnoticed. With any luck she will gather some attention and praise, much deserved.