PHOTOS BY PAUL KANTERMAN
With a clear sense of urgency and passion in her voice, Bat for Lashes silenced an anxious crowd last night (Sept. 25) at seminal downtown venue, the Bowery Ballroom. Draped in sequins, an elegant, flowing blouse, and vintage frocks, London-bred Natasha Khan and her backing band delivered a hypnotic mixture of sounds from the past and the future (think beautiful, mythological creatures that are fans of Björk and A Certain Ratio) -- within minutes of her opening song "Trophy," the sold-out crowd was transfixed, and Kahn reciprocated, flattered and smitten.
Chiefly delivering selections from her debut LP Fur and Gold, fans giggled in delight as Khan's voice soared above earth shattering drums in "What's a Girl to Do?" while her hand delicately raked across a traditional Indian instrument in "Prescilla." Though openers Lewis & Clarke -- channeling the spirit of Nick Drake -- made a valiant effort at leaving their mark, when all was said and done it was Natasha Khan's name that was on everyone's lips.
We asked: Playing off Bat for Lashes' album title Fur and Gold, what do you prefer: fur or gold and why?
Name: Holly Vanasse
Age: 33
Hometown: Reading, MA
Occupation: Actress
"Fur because I'm usually cold and I want to stay warm!"
Name: Tiina LaLiberty
Age: 38
Hometown: Leominster, MA
Occupation: Bartender/restaurant manager
"Gold because I'm a vegetarian and I don't believe in the slaughter of animals."
Name: Daniel Kramb
Age: 25
Hometown: London, UK
Occupation: Journalist
"Fur because it's nice and soft."
Name: Jack Leo
Age: 23
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Law student
"Gold because it makes your teeth fly!"
Name: Emilie Dishongh
Age: 28
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Occupation: Graphic designer
"Gold because it's more timeless."
Name: Tara O'Con
Age: 26
Hometown: Islip, NY
Occupation: Dancer/choreographer/office manager
"Fur because it's cuddly."
Name: Miguel Banuelos
Age: 33
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Occupation: Mobile content
"Fur because it reminds me of my dog, Sandwiches."
Name: Anna Martinez
Age: 21
Hometown: Miami, FL
Occupation: Law student
"Gold because it can be hot and warm, and fur can only be warm."
Bat for Lashes' Natasha Khan / Photo by Paul Kanterman
Khan asks 'What's a Girl to Do?'/ Photo by Paul Kanterman
Khan and Co. bring 'Fur and Gold' to the Bowery / Photo by Paul Kanterman
Opening act Lewis & Clarke / Photo by Paul Kanterman
