Face Of Cheam

Bat For Lashes debut album 'Fur And Gold' is one of the best albums of the year. A very dark, rhythmic sounding sometines tribal beats reminiscent of Tori Amos and early Heather Nova, so I pounced on the chance to see them live. A fourpiece fronted by Brighton based Jemina Khan (essentially its her band/project) it was a captivating gig. Early in the set she did a cover of Springsteens 'Im On Fire' which was haunting. The song 'Trophy' had percussion that embeds its way into your mind that it will be with you for weeks and the encore with the song 'Sad Eyes' is one of the most depressing but engrossing songs you'll hear.
Not the most energetic gigs Ive seen, she does need a song that suddenly explodes into a cauldron of fire, (ie goes loud when unexpected) it certainaly showed promise of what could be to come.