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Ok, so first off I must iterate the fact that this particular run down is in no particular order, nor is it a definitive list of the best British record labels of all time (as if such a breakdown could ever be truly quantified). It is simply a list of some personal favourites within the British...MORE>>
Natasha Khan, a.k.a. Bat For Lashes, is both a singer and songwriter. She compliments her vocals with an array of instrumental harmonies, from guitars to violins to drums, played by an ever changing stream of percussionists.
Natasha has a mix of Pakistani and English roots; ‘Daniel’
works into this with its world music feel. The single was released in March earlier this year just before the release of her second album, ‘Two Suns’. The track has a percussion driven sound which works well with Natasha’s naturally husky vocals.
Natasha’s verve for music began at University where she studied music and visual arts. Here she got the chance to produce sound installations, inspiration for which came from musicians such as Susan Hiller and Steve Reich. This is quite probably from where her technique is derived.
Bat For Lashes’ newest single, ‘Daniel’, is reminiscent of Annie Lennox’s later more reflexive and mellow work or the similarly reflexive track from Bjork, ‘Who Is It’.
The instrumental, acoustic sounds work well against the whispered voice. The use
of many different instruments allows the music to become ‘an epic’; akin to a congregational
or processional piece of orchestral music. It would work into the conventional love-
Bat For Lashes toured the USA and performed at Glastonbury way back in 2007 and as a result she was nominated for that year’s Mercury Prize. One year later she was nominated for Best British Breakthrough Act and Best British Female at the Brit Awards. Most lately, Natasha performed at Glastonbury on the Other Stage.
After touring alongside other bands such as radiohead in 2008, this year Bat For Lashes has really gained prestige in her own right. Natasha, alongside her musicians, will be performing and headlining many gigs this summer. I recommend at least a listen, if not a visit to one of her gigs: you will be surprised and will find yourself enjoying her unconventional creations.
