Bat For Lashes [Live] @ The Roundhouse, London
 

I remember when I first started hanging around the music scene. I used to go and see unsigned bands live and buy their CD on the spot from the merchandise stall if they touched me in any way, and that is still to this day my favourite way to discover new music. Tonight, I was looking forward to finding out what all the Bats for Lashes hype was about when I made my way to the Roundhouse.

I want you to imagine for a moment that tonight's gig was a flight. Tonight I was on a first class one; we’re talking ITunes, greatly organised, big kick ass stage, sound and visual effects. No excuses for a bad performance and I have to say, Natasha Khan’s voice is impressive. This had all the premise to be an unforgettable show, and as the compère says "I’m one of the few lucky ones who made it in". The problem with flights is, some take off with a bang and some start taxiing and take off so smoothly that you hardly realize you got off the ground. In both cases, at some point you’re up there, flying high and looking at the clouds below you. Then you get the ones (unfortunately way too many nowadays) that keep taxiing, and taxiing, and taxiing, and when you think they’re finally about to take off you get a message from the captain saying that unfortunately there’s a fault. You get off and realize this plane is not going to take you anywhere and you’re so disappointed especially since you had all that extra legroom and free drinks!

I was looking at Natasha Khan, her perfect outfit, her amazing voice, the violins in the background, and kept waiting for the take off that never really happened. Bat for Lashes sounded a lot like Evanescence-meets-Enya and as if they can’t quite make up their mind whether to follow in the footsteps of Kate Bush or Bjork. Bat for Lashes tracks all lie somewhere between Bush’s ethereal pop melody and Bjork’s eccentric highs, settling for a flat, forgettable hour of mono chord vocal exercises. When one song finally catches my ears, Natasha says goodbye and leaves the stage. There is an encore which unfortunately is just as unimpressive as the rest of the set, then one song comes (I think 'Pearl’s Dream') that really stands out and demands my attention. Finally one song I would actually download and stick on my playlist! Is it taking off? No, captain Khan says goodbye and we all get off the plane as it's not going anywhere tonight.

I’m back home reading other reviews, to make sure I’m not the only one who just didn’t get it. All of the reviews I read seem to direct all their attention on Natasha’s outfit, the choreography, this white witch/fairy character and the atmosphere. They rightly praise her amazing voice. But... all of them have a “but”.

Maybe she’s still too shy (as in, she’s totally unable to interact with the audience), maybe she should have arrived on stage riding a unicorn and blowing fairy dust in the air? Everyone is trying to find an excuse to the fact that something just didn’t "click", that all this hype is hardly justified, that something is still missing. That “something” is what I came here for: the music. This is the first time I have read several lengthy reviews where not one track is mentioned.

Natasha Khan, with her shyness and most of all her ethereal, beautiful and effortless vocal virtuosities, could really go far. But, if she lets the industry push her persona rather than her music and she records albums where one song is no different from the next one, she’ll be another one hit wonder in today’s disposable music scene. Bat for Lashes’ latest album “Two Suns” is already down from 11.99 to 6.99 on HMV. In times when Paris Hilton has an opportunity to record an album and the world is hungry for talent, please Natasha, don’t waste yours. I’m dreaming to hear your voice in the next “Man with the child in his eyes”.

:lame:

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

Nice new review! No photos this time? You should have asked I could have probably got you a photo pass.

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

I got an email saying I won the tickets late on Saturday night, said no audiovisual so thought I'd make it in with the camera... Unfortunately the house policy was different! Apparently my camera is too professional :( If you can still do something (probably too late), I've got tickets for Bloc Party tonight and I wouldn't mind Oasis on my birthday (tomorrow), Kasabian on Wednesday wouldn't be bad and I confess (but keep that quiet...) I always had a thing for A-Ha (24/07) :p
Ms Khan is an absolute doll! Which made this all camera thing even more upsetting.

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

Aaargh those are probably all gonna be too late now as you need a few days
to get something like this sorted. Nothing wrong with A-ha, they had some
classic tunes back in the 80s. I saw them in the 80s and got myself an A-ha
plectrum. I wonder if Mags still comes on stage on a skateboard!! Let me
know at least a week in advance of gigs you are going to and I will try and
secure you photopasses wherever I can.

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

I'm posting right now a list of gigs I would like to review from here to... December (!), I figured better too early than too late ;) And guess what, A-Ha are actually play another gig, so if you can work your magic on that I'll be able to answer your question about Mags :D
I loved their "Take on Me" video. Remember meeting them before a TV show in Rome and being in absolute shock seeing Morten Harket. The man was actually even hotter live than on video. Still must have a picture somewhere!

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

You should find and post that on here. Would be funny. Will look into
those gigs for you as I get chance.

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

I think it's in some box at my mum's back in Italy... I should dig some old stuff next time I'm there, would be a great laugh! Should see my pic with Fish (I'm about 5 ft tall)... :D

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

One of the most beautiful women in the world - in every way.

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

Hmmn, I'm not sure about Bat for Lashes, good music to be in bed to but I don't think I'd bother to see it live...

Nice videos though:
http://hangout.altsounds.com/music-v...tml#post120649

Re: BAT FOR LASHES (LIVE) @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON
 

Like anything, it's horses for courses. I've seen her several times and found it magical. Made even better the first time when the lovely (yes she is lovely) Natasha went straight from the stage down to the loading bay to say hello to fans, sign tickets, etc. I really think her album deserves the Mercury but of course she will lose out to Florence. Not disagreeing with your review though, good to get some perspective from someone who hasn't swallowed the bat-magic pill.