For those who are not familiar with the name Bat For Lashes, I shall acquaint you with a little introduction. Comprised of front woman Natasha Khan and a changing band, which for some time has featured Charlotte Hatherley from Ash, Bat For Lashes’ sound has been described as ‘sci-fi folk’, often likened to Kate Bush, Bjork and Annie Lennox. The two albums that have been released to date, ‘Fur and Gold’ in 2006 and ‘Two Suns’ in 2009, were both nominated for the Mercury Prize but sadly didn’t win. Both albums have been at home on my iPod for some time now, and I’m not sure why the Bat For Lashes love isn’t more widespread yet, as there is nothing else quite like it.
I had never been to the Roundhouse before, and thought it was a great venue – it was as though someone had taken Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and violently shoved it into the 21st Century...with a roof! A far cry from the usual box-like arenas, there was character, perfect for the quirky act it was hosting.

The support act, Yeasayer, a four-piece band from Brooklyn, were kind of unexpected, but really great! They played a set full of rolled up blazer sleeves and synthesizers straight from the eighties, and – knowingly or not – had the dance moves to match! The vocals were tight, and every song encouraged an appreciative nod of heads and stamp of feet from the audience.

After quite a lengthy wait, where we saw the set slowly coming to life with luminated landscapes of silhouetted trees and fairy lights, Natasha Khan and her band entered centre stage. Despite her tiny frame she owned the space and held attention in a way only a true performer can. She looked incredible in a leotard and leggings most women would have nightmares about, topped off with a sweeping gold-stranded cape, and obligatory glitter on her cheeks.

The set comprised a fairly equal mix of both albums, with ‘What’s A Girl To Do’ and ‘Pearl’s Dream’ being particular favourites amongst the audience. There were wind-machines, tambourines, maracas, and changing background effects galore to make the performance a real sensory delight. The main component that glued it all together, however, not allowing anyone’s attention to stray for even a moment, was Natasha’s faultless vocals. Something my friend said to me after her first couple of songs could not have been truer – ‘She sounds so much better live.’ Her voice is beautiful, always controlled, and seems to ring out almost effortlessly, even on the highest, most haunting notes. A true icon in the making!

Danielle Richardson
Photo by Shay Rowan - www.flickr.com/photos/25880052@N08