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Description: Natasha Khan performs alt folk-rock from her album Two Suns.
Phone: 0905020 3999
Website: www.shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk
Email: mail@shepherds-bush-empire.co.uk
Trains: Tube: Shepherd's Bush 
, Tube / Bus: 49, 72, 94, 95, 148, 207, 220, 237, 260, 283, 272, 295, 607 
Extra info: Pub
Silver star: Natasha Khan brings her femme fatale alter ego Pearl to the stage
When Natasha Khan’s first album as Bat For Lashes grew from a quiet release to a favourite for the 2007 Mercury Prize, even without a victory it opened a door to the mainstream through which the Brighton songwriter has refused to step. Two Suns, her newly released follow-up to Fur And Gold, features guest appearances from experimental New York hipsters Yeasayer and the frequently unlistenable Scott Walker.
As was almost inevitable from someone who already had the out‑there outfits and songs about wizards and horses on her debut, it’s a concept album.
Thankfully, you didn’t need to know about Khan’s femme fatale alter-ego Pearl for her live show to work its magic, though her fascination with dual personalities was apt. As with the combination of televisions and stuffed animals that cluttered the stage, her music flickered between futuristic electronica and sounding as if it had been written thousands of years ago by forest folk.
She performed Prescilla alone on a spooky zither, then was bouncing about the stage to the throbbing synth pulse of Daniel. Her voice was also multi-faceted, often low and breathy and soaring high and pure in the same song.
More pictures: Bat For Lashes at Shepherd's Bush Empire
Drummer Sarah Jones played with round-ended sticks and not much cymbal to give a tribal, battle march feel to tracks such as Horse And I and Glass.
New addition Charlotte Hatherley, formerly of Ash and a solo artist in her own right, was invaluable on guitar, backing vocals and bizarre dressing duties. When the three women harmonised together during Siren Song, it produced a sound so affecting it was a pity they didn’t try it more often.
Even so, it was hard to tear your eyes from the silver star in the centre, bringing her complex vision so vividly to life. Both of Khan’s personalities entirely deserved centre stage.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
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