Natasha Khan made a huge splash in 2006 when she released the critically lauded debut LP Fur and Gold under the moniker Bat For Lashes. The effort was nominated for the prestigious 2007 Mercury Music Prize, opening the world’s eyes to her unique sound. With the follow-up, Two Suns, Khan has pulled off the rare accomplishment of improving vastly on its predecessor.
Co-produced with Dave Kosten, Two Suns is a concept album, described as "a record of modern-day fables exploring dualities on a number of levels—two lovers, two planets, two sides of a personality." Here, Khan introduces an alter ego of sorts in the guise of Pearl, "a destructive, self-absorbed, blonde, femme fatale of a persona who acts as a direct foil to Khan's more mystical, desert-born spiritual self." This may only be truly understood by Khan herself, but the concept results in a mystical sonic saga, bolstered by her excellent songwriting/storytelling skills and the wide array of musical instruments she utilizes—autoharp, piano, synths, bass, drums, and beat programming.
On the leadoff track, “Glass”, Khan quotes a passage from the love poem “Song of Solomon,” singing starkly, “I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth.”
“Glass” is an epic opener, setting the tone for the album’s grand-scale journey through geographical landscapes, magical romance, and esoteric mysticism. With repeated listens, Two Suns plays out like the good sister to Pandora’s Box, constantly unearthing new hidden treasures and delicate nuances. “Moon and Moon” is a gorgeous and haunting piano ballad that sends chills through my headphones on each listen. The first single, “Daniel,” is the perfect pop gem, complete with an infectious bass line and hook-heavy lyrics. If there is a Bat For Lashes dance jam, this is it. Switching gears completely, gospel-tinged “Peace of Mind” follows, sounding like a sinister lament from another time with its sinister banjo plucking and overall dark atmosphere. “Pearl’s Dream” is another standout track, complete with a crunchy bass snap and a vigorous percussive arrangement.
Much of Two Suns’ sound is enhanced by Kosten, whose production work here is cleverly used in subtle splashes, further developing the ghostly world Khan plunges you into. Psych-rockers Yeasayer also contribute vastly to the overall tribal sound here, but this effort is really all about Khan. Her extraordinary talent is undeniable, and Two Suns places her at the forefront of the future pulse of music.
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