The Nationwide Mercury Prize short-list for album of the year has now been published and includes this debut album by Bat For Lashes aka Natasha Khan. The album has garnered significant acclaim including, “Nothing short of breathtaking” from The Observer, and “One of the most stupendous, haunting debuts in ages” from The Sunday Times. I had not heard the album and so quickly obtained it to see for myself. Khan is described (amongst other things) as a visual artist, and it is this which really features on her debut album.

There is no doubting that the album provides a remarkable sonic feast with each track providing a striking and haunting visual picture of whatever sentiments are being expressed. Opening track ‘Horse And I’ is hugely melodic, beautifully produced and well performed. It is indeed a handsome sonic accomplishment, however, in a lyrical sense it is obscure. Khan has described the images as coming to her in a dream, and it is this imagery that has been so successfully translated into sound. Could it mean a sexual awakening? Next track ‘Trophy’ opens with a threatening bass line and travels along at upbeat pace. Again one is left to put one’s own interpretation despite the chorus “Heaven is the feeling I get when I’m in your arms” leaving little to the imagination. But the chorus is surrounded by verses with little obvious meaning although certain words (‘shoot’, ‘fur and gold’) could indicate an intimate sexual context. That said it is still a compelling listen. ‘Tahiti’ provides a different sonic experience with its more obvious folk vibe and tumbling piano notes. It is the most beautiful sound that reflects both darkness and light, and for the first time offers less lyrical ambiguity. The artist’s next single is ‘What’s A Girl To Do’ which in both structure and sound is strikingly similar to the 1964 pop classic ‘Leader Of The Pack’ by the Shangri-Las. Even the song’s sentiments are very similar. ‘Sad Eyes’ is another gentle beauty and this time reminds me of America’s wonderful singer/songwriter Jennifer Terran. Lyrically the song is extremely strong, while the melody and piano-only backdrop add depth and drama. It’s undoubtedly one of the albums most moving highlights.

The big (topical) question is whether the album is good enough to win the Nationwide Mercury Prize? I believe it is. It is not originality that wins me over as I hear several other artists here, nor is it musical innovation which is absent. It is Khan’s vocal, writing and production ability that combine to paint eleven different musical pictures that fit together so well. There’s also an unfettered, child-like quality to some of the songs that I find beguiling. It is a stunningly produced album (with assistance from David Kosten) and strong on aspects that I feel are so important to open the listening door - items such as melody, instrumental arrangements and backing vocals. All that now remains is to catch her performing live in Manchester or Liverpool for me to complete what a very interesting picture. Essential.

4.5/5