Music Reviews
Artist:
Bat for LashesTitle:
'Fur and Gold'Label:
Echo/She-Bear
Recently nominated for a Brit award in the best female solo artist category, now would seem as apt a time as any to take another look at Bat for Lashes debut ‘Fur and Gold‘. Bat for Lashes the pseudonym of singer/songwriter Natasha Khan’s sound has been compared to a whole host of female artist, perhaps most notable Kate Bush or Bjork While there is definitely something otherworldly or ethereal in Natasha Khan’s template, it’s how self-assured and confident the album sounds as a whole that’s most telling.
Moreover the production and staging of the album is assured, rich and layered. ’Sad Eyes’ the piano-led ballad is not unlike The Smiths classic ’Asleep’. While ’Prescilla’ is built upon layered hand-claps, harp, and nagging vocals that lend the whole affair something akin to grandeur. ’Trophy’ again has that same hand-clap, nagging, insistency yet with a chorus presumably doffing a cap to Bjork While the ‘Wizard‘ twists and quickly Bury’s into the listener‘s ear. Thus such an album refuses to be that all too familiar proverbial wallflower, and instead becomes a contender by it’s sheer force of character . Moreover while the writer is keen to avoid pretensions and hyperbole, overall ’Fur and Gold’ is a highly self assured, strongly impressive debut that’s seems both lyrically and musically somewhat haunted by ghosts and voices from the past, while struggling to contain it’s bright new voices.
Rating
4.2/5
Label:
Echo/She-Bear
Words:
John Tonner
