Bats For Lashes
Two Suns
Astralwerks
The sounds of Bat for Lashes on Two Suns are strangely soothing, sultry, mysterious, and simultaneously upbeat. Singer/band-leader Natasha Khan, produces in her sweet, breathy soprano voice a dark, almost frightening undertone. “Like she’s forever in pain,” was a description a friend of mine gave. At perfect intervals through most of the songs are wonderful synth beats, present most likely from the group’s collaboration with Brooklyn-based Yeasayer. The violin solo in the song “Daniel” produces a visual of the singer standing on a cliff overlooking a gray sea with deadly clouds creeping ominously behind her. The four-person group uses wide ranging sounds, with as many ups and downs as a teenager’s emotions. The drums make their statement while hands clap in “Two Planets,” producing a faux-native sounding rhythm. The group also incorporates the eerie sounds of the autoharp and harpsichord. As though acknowledging their otherworldly state of being, the group’s Myspace page lists “UFO’s” under the “Sounds like” category.” Quite fitting indeed.
On their personal webpage, Khan’s biographical section tells us she grew up in Britain, but has spent time in the Big Sur, the Joshue Tree desert and Pakistan. The album’s unique sounds can likely be attributed in part to the personalities and cultural variations present in each of these locations. The group also notes their unique relationship with nature and the environment as influential.
The album’s final product is a brilliant display of what can happen with collaborations between different music styles. From the Yeasayers basses to the husky voice of Scott Walker on the song “The Big Sleep,” there is no strict uniformity on Two Suns. While Bat for Lashes is considered a major record label, the group is not yet, or hopefully ever soon to be, a typically mainstream album. And their sound is so varied, it’s very possible music lovers from every genre can find something to appreciate in this album.
In addition to their sound, Khan—who has already proved herself as a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist—also makes strong contributions as a visual artist. The art present on the album, and within the group’s web page, is as visually stimulating as their music. The photographs only help add to the album’s experience.
Whether intentional or not, my search for a deeper explanation of the album’s purpose was fruitless. I can’t say for sure, but my intuitions lead me to believe Bat for Lashes is simply a group that produces their music based on what they enjoy. From the simplicity of the website, to their overall uniqueness, one can easily believe the group is not out to make it to the next Video Music Awards. Every musician wants to have fans and followers, but the composition of Two Suns is not meant to be mainstream or conforming. This intention, for me, makes this record all the more meaningful. Though unfathomable by some industry standards, this group proves there are still artists who give it all simply for the love of music.
