MUSIC . Music Picks

Bat for Lashes

Fri., May 1, 8:30 p.m., $12-$14, with Lewis & Clarke, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

by M.J. Fine

Published: Apr 28, 2009

rock/pop

For all the mystic imagery Natasha Khan conjures on Two Suns, Bat for Lashes' second album, she's fighting a battle close to home. It's the epic struggle between two sides of the same woman: the creative spirit who wishes the best for her ex and herself and the wounded witch who wants to destroy them both. Khan's public persona — dark-haired and dark-eyed — gets to wear the white hat and sing the single "Daniel," but it's the blond alter ego she calls Pearl who steals the show on "Siren Song," "Pearl's Dream" and "The Big Sleep," a floating duet with Scott Walker. The much-imitated Walker is just the most distinguished name of many in the Bat for Lashes harem this time, but — split personality aside — it's still Khan's show. Her keys and strings and high-strung mythology transport her heroine and villain to crystal towers and starry skies, but the most potent recurring setting on Two Suns is that of the bed that feels empty even when she can't drag herself out of it.

Fri., May 1, 8:30 p.m., $12-$14, with Lewis & Clarke, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.



Also In This Week's Music Section

Reconsider Me:
Point Taken
PJ Harvey

Music Picks:
The Dears
by Michael Pelusi
Tue., May 5, 9 p.m., $15, with Great Northern and Eulogies, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, johnnybrendas.com.

Music Picks:
Junior Boys/Max Tundra
by K. Ross Hoffman
Wed., May 6, 8:30 p.m., $12-$14, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Music Picks:
Adele
by Deesha Dyer
Sun., May 3, 8 p.m., $29.50, Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St., 215-627-1332, ticketmaster.com.

Music Picks:
Del tha Funkee Homosapien
by Deesha Dyer
Sun, May 3, 7:30 p.m., $14, all ages, with Bukue One and Mike Relm, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Music Picks:
Peter, Bjorn and John
by K. Ross Hoffman
Fri., May 1, 9 p.m., $20-$32, with Luke Top and Chairlift, World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 215-222-1400, worldcafelive.com.

Music Picks:
Mountains
by A.D. Amorosi
Fri., May 1, 8 p.m., $10, all ages, with Moral Crayfish and Kuschty Rye Ergot, First Unitarian Church Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

Music Picks:
Adam and Dave's Bloodline
by John Vettese
Fri., May 1, 9 p.m., $10, with Jotto and Faux Slang, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, johnnybrendas.com.

Music Picks:
The Living Things
by A.D. Amorosi
Thu., April 30, 9 p.m., $13-$15, with Electric Six and Human People, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 866-468-7619, johnnybrendas.com.

Music Picks:
King Khan & THE Shrines
by K. Ross Hoffman
Thu., April 30, 8:30 p.m., $12-$14, all ages, with BBQ, First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 866-468-7619, r5productions.com.

 
 
ADVERTISEMENT