Bat for Lashes at the Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09)

Natasha Khan, aka Bat for Lashes, with her band made their very first American show last night at the ever elegant Varsity Theater in Minneapolis.

Once again, Dearling Physique (official / myspace / twitter), opened up for Bat. Compared to their previous appearance, I would have to say that this show sounded so much better (I talked briefly with the band and they admitted it was because they actually had a chance to do sound check prior to playing). Mister Dominique Davis came on stage in somewhat of a superhero outfit, complete with table cloth cape and all. It should be interesting to keep an eye on this band, they're starting their national tour in a few weeks.

Bat for Lashes ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09) Setlist ♥ Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (8/7/09)

Back to Bat for Lashes, I was lucky enough to catch them very early in their career in America, at the very tiny 7th Street Entry in 2007. They only did eight songs, based on their setlist. And not even that Springsteen "I'm on Fire" cover song (Natasha told me that they just didn't have the proper equipment to play it).

With only just two years later, the band's audience had quadrupled with the Varsity Theater filling up quickly. Gone was the Indian/Native American theme, such as the Shaman's sceptre - but it's understandable as the setlist is mostly from their Two Suns album. And the theme to Two Suns, if anything, is about duality and opposites. Like the mountain the sky, the sun and the moon, love and hate, which the stage was clearly demonstrating.  For example, there were all these plastic Jesus statues and candles, but their songs are about nature (with the background of the mountains and the sky).

The highlight for me was them taking care of my favorite "lonely lonely lonely" song, "Sleep Alone", very early on their set.

The audience obviously loved "What's a Girl to Do?" and "Daniel". I should add that "Pearl's Dream" sounded fantastic live, as they end their set before coming back for the inevitable encore.

A fun note, as I have previously mentioned, Charlotte Hatherley is in Khan's band as the bassist/backup vocalist. I wanted to say hi after the show, as I've met her a while back when she was touring with Ash and that I have always liked her solo work as well. Unfortunately, the Varsity staff was kicking everyone out and I ended up just going home.

If you get a chance, check out Bat for Lashes on tour. Their latest album is Two Suns, however, a quick check shows an exclusive iTunes EP that was just released: Bat for Lashes - iTunes Live: London Festival '09 EP