A debut that mines pure gold

CHOICE

Bat for Lashes

Bat for Lashes mastermind Natasha Khan (above) has an ethereal sound and theatrical, Native American-influenced aesthetic that suggests a kinship with freak-folk practitioners like harpist Joanna Newsom and experimental duo CocoRosie. But the 27-year-old native of Brighton, England, also has a talent for unsettling pop gems that recall art-rock innovator Kate Bush.

Khan's debut album is just now receiving its stateside release, after coming out in the United Kingdom last September, where it garnered buzz and was nominated for a Mercury Prize. On opener "Horse and I," Khan's vocals resonate with the strength and clarity of early Sinead O'Connor, while the haunting melody and militaristic beat create a trancelike dance number. Her often spare songs can be eerie and moving, like understated ballad "Seal Jubilee," but some quieter moments feel unfinished. More effective are dramatic pop numbers like "Trophy," with its sultry layers of piano and percussion, and the vampy, girl-group-flavored "What's a Girl to Do?"

Even though Khan's music is not yet as ambitious as Bush's best work, it has enough arresting moments and unique beauty to suggest that Khan is an indie songwriter and chanteuse to watch. [Sarah Tomlinson]