Bat for Lashes Fur And Gold Review

Bat For Lashes is the creation of Natasha Khan, a Pakistan-born, Brighton based songwriter. Her concept for Fur And Gold was to make something that started at dusk and finished up in the glorious sunlight. That gives you an idea of what this ethereal, cinematic, fantastical album sounds like.

Natasha's soaring howls, whispers and joyous singing are the main focus here. As beguiling as Bjork, as stunning as Sinead O'Connor and as dramatic as Kate Bush, it is her voice that dominates. The often minimal backdrop of haunting strings, unusual percussive instruments and drum machines provides the perfect accompaniment.

"What's A Girl To Do?" with its dreamy vocals and dramatic bassline is a highlight while "Prescilla" has a magical uplifting quality. What sets Bats For Lashes apart from the usual crop of indie bands is the originality of the songwriting. With its lyrical roots in fairy tales and nursery rhymes, Khan sings of forbidden desire, sinister dreams and magical kingdoms.

Mature gothic sounds for those willing to be whisked off to beautiful faraway lands.