Haunted Man, The
Reviews
Francis D
Reviewed 2012-12-21
Reviewed 2012-12-21
“The Haunted Man” Bat for Lashes
A collection of highly artistic, exceptionally well-produced indie synth-pop tunes. Bat for Lashes is Natasha Khan, an English-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with Pakistani roots on her father’s side that give her an exotic look and sound. This is her third CD, and it has received significant critical acclaim. Musically, the songs are elaborate with intricate instrumentation and synth orchestration and rhythm tracks. Khan’s lyrics on several of the songs reflect the loneliness she felt following a difficult breakup. The end result is an album that provides a window into the soul of a most impressive, expressive artist.
— Francis
Recommended: 5, 2, 1, 7, 6, 3, 12. No FCCs detected.
1. (4:47) Lilies — Soaring, uplifting vocals with simple electronic drum track overlaid with synth orchestra swells. ****
2. (4:32) All your Gold — Up-tempo, syncopated, Middle Eastern rhythm. A catchy tune that becomes almost danceable at times. ****
3. (5:00) Horses of the Sun — Tribal rhythms punctuated by crisp beats. Vocals range from husky and almost spoken to full, spirited choruses. **
4. (4:56) Oh Yeah — Trip-hop beat powers this playful look at moving on after a failed relationship.
5. (4:26) Laura — Spectacularly beautiful ballad. Piano and vocals woven together create a sing that’s raw and extraordinarily honest. ****
6. (3:43) Winter Fields — Cinematic flavor works with Kahn’s vocals and lets one imagine a movies scene of his or her own movie scene. ***
7. (5:16) The Haunted Man — Sputtering electronic drums transition to a march-like rhythm backing Kahn and a ghost-like male chorus. Electronic effects continue as part of a long, dreamy trail-out. ***
8. (4:36) Marilyn — Dream-pop with psychedelic overtones. Kahn’s vocals are a perfect match. Yoo-hoo’s near the end may annoy some listeners. **
9. (4:02) A Wall— Distinctive synth and drum track. Vocal counterpoint — with storytelling lead answered by hopeful chorus saying, “Where you see a wall, I see a door.”
10. (4:04) Rest your Head — Shimmering melody with electronic rhythm track and bell-like flourishes. **
11. (6:22) Deep Sea Diver — After Kahn’s opening calls, an intricate synth and piano track drives her delicate vocals. **
A collection of highly artistic, exceptionally well-produced indie synth-pop tunes. Bat for Lashes is Natasha Khan, an English-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with Pakistani roots on her father’s side that give her an exotic look and sound. This is her third CD, and it has received significant critical acclaim. Musically, the songs are elaborate with intricate instrumentation and synth orchestration and rhythm tracks. Khan’s lyrics on several of the songs reflect the loneliness she felt following a difficult breakup. The end result is an album that provides a window into the soul of a most impressive, expressive artist.
— Francis
Recommended: 5, 2, 1, 7, 6, 3, 12. No FCCs detected.
1. (4:47) Lilies — Soaring, uplifting vocals with simple electronic drum track overlaid with synth orchestra swells. ****
2. (4:32) All your Gold — Up-tempo, syncopated, Middle Eastern rhythm. A catchy tune that becomes almost danceable at times. ****
3. (5:00) Horses of the Sun — Tribal rhythms punctuated by crisp beats. Vocals range from husky and almost spoken to full, spirited choruses. **
4. (4:56) Oh Yeah — Trip-hop beat powers this playful look at moving on after a failed relationship.
5. (4:26) Laura — Spectacularly beautiful ballad. Piano and vocals woven together create a sing that’s raw and extraordinarily honest. ****
6. (3:43) Winter Fields — Cinematic flavor works with Kahn’s vocals and lets one imagine a movies scene of his or her own movie scene. ***
7. (5:16) The Haunted Man — Sputtering electronic drums transition to a march-like rhythm backing Kahn and a ghost-like male chorus. Electronic effects continue as part of a long, dreamy trail-out. ***
8. (4:36) Marilyn — Dream-pop with psychedelic overtones. Kahn’s vocals are a perfect match. Yoo-hoo’s near the end may annoy some listeners. **
9. (4:02) A Wall— Distinctive synth and drum track. Vocal counterpoint — with storytelling lead answered by hopeful chorus saying, “Where you see a wall, I see a door.”
10. (4:04) Rest your Head — Shimmering melody with electronic rhythm track and bell-like flourishes. **
11. (6:22) Deep Sea Diver — After Kahn’s opening calls, an intricate synth and piano track drives her delicate vocals. **
Recent airplay
Laura
KZSU Time Traveler — Dec 23, 2016
All Your Gold
All Passion No Technique — Jun 02, 2016
Laura
Time Traveler — Nov 06, 2015
All Your Gold
KZSU Top 100 of 2013 — Jan 02, 2014
Laura
Time Traveler — Dec 06, 2013
Laura
second meeting — Sep 12, 2013
Charting
2012-12-29 — 2013-03-03
| Week Ending | Airplays |
|---|---|
| Mar 3 | 1 |
| Feb 24 | 4 |
| Feb 17 | 1 |
| Feb 10 | 5 |
| Feb 3 | 2 |
| Jan 27 | 1 |
| Jan 20 | 2 |
| Jan 13 | 3 |
Track listing
| 1. | Lilies | ||
| 2. | All Your Gold | ||
| 3. | Horses Of The Sun | ||
| 4. | Oh Yeah | ||
| 5. | Laura | ||
| 6. | Winter Fields | ||
| 7. | The Haunted Man | ||
| 8. | Marilyn | ||
| 9. | A Wall | ||
| 10. | Rest Your Head | ||
| 11. | Deep Sea Diver |