While Bat For Lashes (Natasha Khan) produced one of the more interesting alternative albums of last year in Fur and Gold, last Saturday evening was the first time that I got to see her play live. As suspected, though, it was difficult for her delicate and intimate set to work on a large outdoor stage, especially the contributions on clarinet, violin, and saw of multi-instrumentalist Katherine Mann. Simply put, for me, this is a performance that really does need to be held in a venue big enough for a few hundred people only.
An ethereal opening song was hard to hear, not least because of some catcalling from the audience. However, things did improve when the band stepped it up with songs such as Trophy, Horse & I, and Wizard. A couple of new songs were also played and both sounded quite promising. I think that her second album is actually out later on this year, so that is something to look forward to. The 40-odd minute set was finally brought to a close with a pretty good rendition of What’s A Girl To Do.
Play Vicar Street next time, would be my response!
Filed under: Gigs, Music | Tagged: Bat For Lashes, Natasha Khan
[...] but the sun and the grass seemed to demand lazing around and eating. There’s a review of it here, which I largely agree [...]
I quite liked ‘Fur and Gold’ and was hoping that seeing BFL live would sway me more in its favour but like you say it was the wrong place for her and i ended up being less interested in her than I was before. oh dear.
Although I was being smart-arsed about it above, I definitely want to see B4L play a good indoor venue (Vicar St, Button Club) when she comes here to promote her second album!
Also like the random “monster” face you were assigned! Very Munch-ean (if that wasn’t a word, it is now)!
Saw Natasha and Co in the Foggy Notions Tent last year at Electric Picnic and I have to say that is the perfect size venue/tent to see them in- absolutely brilliant!! You could hear all of her staff-stomping goodness and the multitude of instruments the other members played- hopefully they will be back to an intimate Dublin city centre venue soon!
Had forgotten about the staff until now TT! Thanks. It was retired after the first song though as the sound was so poor, it was as if she was gently brushing off cotton wool with it!