Kevin Bronson on April 24th, 2009

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[Today Buzz Bands welcomes Ted Jameson, who will be contributing occasional album reviews.]

Bat for Lashes, “Two Suns” (Astralwerks, April 7) – After releasing a critically acclaimed debut album, “Fur and Gold” (2007), Natasha Khan returns with a strong second effort that is conceptually ambitious while remaining highly listenable. In an era where the album has become less relevant, respect goes out to Khan for creating a collection of songs that deserve to be listened to as a cohesive body of work.”  That’s not say that there aren’t standout tracks – especially “Daniel,” “Peace of Mind,” “Traveling Woman” and “The Big Sleep.” But part of the appeal of “Two Suns” comes from listening to Khan take an idea and stretch it across the duration of the release. Not quite a concept album, “Two Suns” explores the theme of dualities – both lyrically and musically – and it is the sonic exploration of it that is the more compelling. The aesthetic is expansive and minimalist, eclectic and pop, drone-based and chordal, rhythmic and bare, and the overall effect is an ambient, theatrical sound that, at its best moments, echoes certain strains of early ’80s Goth, especially the melodic phrasing of Peter Murphy. Recommended.

– By Ted Jameson

||| Watch: the video for “Daniel”
||| Live: Bat for Lashes performs June 16 at the El Rey Theatre.