Natasha Khan known as Bat For Lashes cease to amaze the individuals who await a new album from the songstress. Bat For Lashes as a whole concept depicts a fantasy driven reality with the sudden realization that any of the subject matter may in turn be truth. With the release of 'The Bride' is rings ever so bluntly. Filled to the brim with electronic and synth samples by suddenly being driven towards an unknown and betrayed existence. As far as the concept of 'marriage' or 'wedding nupitals' goes, Bat For Lashes drives a fiery car into the thick of a honeymoon being only attended by the bride herself. While one can't help but hear a subtle hint towards an odd Kill Bill inspiration, Natasha Khan offers a broken ritual to the ghost of her groom who died before he could show up to the church.
Showcasing the untidy possible fire hazard side of becoming a bride, or at least the essence of "getting married" can transform into a whole enitiy itself. 'The Bride' acts as a diary long forgotten by time, yet bargaining a sanctioned need to see her groom through to the otherside. Crooning in a hospitale manner, Natasha Khan expels her unforgiving nature to the angels who took her beloved. As sullen and tragic 'The Bride' comes off, it's wonderful to experience a side of Bat For Lashes that has recently been unventured.
In a way, 'The Bride' acts as a close interaction with a parallel existence. Living and dividing a ritualistic premise upon this plane and another. Bat For Lashes has always carried an ethereal exposure giving and taking an active approach to experiementation via musical production. Conducting the audience to take an interest and influence into Natasha Khan's world of the unknown and possible outcomes.
The tracks currently standing out from the pack are 'Joe's Dream', 'Honeymooning Alone', 'Never Forgive The Angels', 'Widow's Peak', 'I Will Love You Again'.
Oddly enough another influence that keeps coming to mind is a 1970's coming-of-age film 'Valerie and Her Week of Wonders'. More for the sentimental attitude, nostalgic embrace of time and waking from a fevered dream.
