Bat For Lashes - Two Suns

Bat For Lashes
Two Suns
(04.2009, Astralwerks)
RIFL: mystical magic, goji berries, spiritual crystals, or mythical beasts

Two Suns came out last month and I wasn't sure if I liked it. I have since given it many listens over and I have been won over, but not completely. I fell head over heals for Fur and Gold when it was first released, but then became slightly disenchanted after some time passed. It's just so theatrical that it's hard to repetitively digest. Well, Two Suns is even more theatrical, since Natasha Khan took inspiration from Beyonce and given herself an alter-ego named Pearl, supposedly a blonde hedonist - opposite from Khan's black haired "desert-born spiritual self." Pearl and Natasha battle it out schizophrenically on Two Suns trying to find some "Peace Of Mind." Khan enlists the help of Scott Walker and Yeasayer in this ethereal magic rock battle. The music remains moody, slightly tense and brooding, as does Khan's voice. I am at the point where I like Two Suns more with every listen, but I wonder how long it can last. All this ultra serious somberness can really get to a girl, ya know?

-Sassigrass

Bat For Lashes - Fur And Gold

Bat For Lashes
Fur And Gold
(2007/US Caroline)
9.5/10

I have fallen in love again this year. Fur And Gold has been on repeat on my itunes for days now. This album has enthralled me and held me captive, with no sign of release. Bat For Lashes is the musical art project of England based Natasha Khan. This is her debut album, and already her voice is matured and precise, occaisionally reminiscent of Bjork. Her songs are deliberate and penetrating, vocal based and backed with multiple instruments including; piano, harpsichord, looped drums, and violins. The album is a journey with an overall brooding feel. The lyrics are particularly interesting, talking of wizards, magical journeys, and "chosen ones." Khan said that she wanted to create an album that "started at dusk and finished up in glorious sunlight." When listened front to back, Fur And Gold does sound like an overnight journey, slightly unnerving but mystical and curious. The ONLY hang-up I have with this album is that it has a tendency to get overly dramatic and theatrical, but mostly just on single "What's A Girl To Do?" (see below) Even with the melodrama, this is one of the best releases of the year. Don't let this one slip by.

-Sassigrass