All that glitters is not gold: Bat for Lashes in concert
By Katelyn Blascik
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Film & Music
All that glitters is not gold—sometimes, it’s sequined jumpsuits and tin bangles! Think lots of leopard print, thunderous marching band drums, and mermaid hair. The image works, and so do the dynamics of Bat For Lashes in live performance.
A couple weeks ago, El Macambo showcased these talented singer/instrumentalists/performers for their one-night-only in TO. The band is essentially the brain child of Natasha Khan and her talented singing and songwriting skills. Hailing from the UK, Bat For Lashes is rounding off the year with Canadian stops as part of their North American tour. They are promoting and performing (for the most part) songs from the debut album Fur and Gold.
The concert was, if you’re looking for a byline or buzz word, pure gold. Fantastically furry. Four Brits out of four! After the fact, I’m trying to pick out what was best about the performance. Could it be the fairy tale lyrics? Or the haunting sound of the harpsichord? Yes and no.
What I realized, as many of my fellow music lovers in our great city know, is that live performance, when it works, is an experience worth the cost. So save that tip money, dig deep in the pockets of those old jeans, and — thankfully — keep in mind (and a sharp eye out for) the plenty of free shows around town too!
I’m not going to try and sell you on Bat For Lashes from here on in (you can always check them out and listen for yourself). Instead, their show made me want to compile a brief list of the pros in attending live performances - either to remind you why you should go or to find reasons to start.
Reason 1: it’s social. There’s a whole sub-culture out there with no house limit. Take part! Dance! Sing! Drink (responsibly)!
Reason 2: sure, the sound quality cannot rival your iPod (especially in an acoustically deficient bar), but the tunes reverberate in the air like old vinyl. You feel the music.
Reason 3: audience participation is all part of the show. The spontaneity can be electrifying, even dangerous, for the thrill seekers in the crowd.
Reason 4: you see the band! You don’t have to be a groupie to appreciate interacting one-on-one (in a strictly platonic sense) with the glamorous group members. Really, an artist isn’t worth their salt unless they elicit above mentioned audience participation.
Reason 5 (last and best!): for those emotionally charged moments and memories. If you’ve had one, you know what I’m talking about. If not, starting listening to some good music live.
All in all, a great show, Bat For Lashes included, can allow you to enjoy music for The Experience. I’ve got a new one that includes glittering headbands and a heartbreaking ballad.
A couple weeks ago, El Macambo showcased these talented singer/instrumentalists/performers for their one-night-only in TO. The band is essentially the brain child of Natasha Khan and her talented singing and songwriting skills. Hailing from the UK, Bat For Lashes is rounding off the year with Canadian stops as part of their North American tour. They are promoting and performing (for the most part) songs from the debut album Fur and Gold.
The concert was, if you’re looking for a byline or buzz word, pure gold. Fantastically furry. Four Brits out of four! After the fact, I’m trying to pick out what was best about the performance. Could it be the fairy tale lyrics? Or the haunting sound of the harpsichord? Yes and no.
What I realized, as many of my fellow music lovers in our great city know, is that live performance, when it works, is an experience worth the cost. So save that tip money, dig deep in the pockets of those old jeans, and — thankfully — keep in mind (and a sharp eye out for) the plenty of free shows around town too!
I’m not going to try and sell you on Bat For Lashes from here on in (you can always check them out and listen for yourself). Instead, their show made me want to compile a brief list of the pros in attending live performances - either to remind you why you should go or to find reasons to start.
Reason 1: it’s social. There’s a whole sub-culture out there with no house limit. Take part! Dance! Sing! Drink (responsibly)!
Reason 2: sure, the sound quality cannot rival your iPod (especially in an acoustically deficient bar), but the tunes reverberate in the air like old vinyl. You feel the music.
Reason 3: audience participation is all part of the show. The spontaneity can be electrifying, even dangerous, for the thrill seekers in the crowd.
Reason 4: you see the band! You don’t have to be a groupie to appreciate interacting one-on-one (in a strictly platonic sense) with the glamorous group members. Really, an artist isn’t worth their salt unless they elicit above mentioned audience participation.
Reason 5 (last and best!): for those emotionally charged moments and memories. If you’ve had one, you know what I’m talking about. If not, starting listening to some good music live.
All in all, a great show, Bat For Lashes included, can allow you to enjoy music for The Experience. I’ve got a new one that includes glittering headbands and a heartbreaking ballad.
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