It’s hard to shake a certain feeling of déjà vu while listening to Two Suns, Natasha Khan’s sophomore album under the Bat For Lashes moniker. Anyone who’s spent time with the works of pop songstress Kate Bush will feel an undeniable sense that they’ve heard these same forceful female vocals set to avant-pop harmonies before, and they wouldn’t be wrong.

Indeed a cynical listener may be inclined to write off Khan’s lovelorn pop balladry as a pale imitation of Bush’s efforts in the seventies and eighties. Fortunately those with open minds, a little time to invest, and yes, a love of Bush’s work will find that Khan has put her own sonic fingerprints all over Two Suns.

So much that she makes the sounds all her own, rendering the album more than just a loving homage or a copy-cat attempt, and turning it into her own original vision, while simultaneously bringing Bush’s sound into the 21st century masterfully. And besides, since when is being reminded of The Hounds of Love a bad thing?

Ultimately, Two Suns succeeds because of excellent song writing, there isn’t a bad one in the bunch. Album opener “Glass” stands out as an excellent track and a superb showcase for Khan’s astounding vocal abilities. The song opens with just her voice, and builds to impressive heights during the chorus, which ends up being one of the record’s highlights. “Daniel” with its swirling violin and propulsive chorus, finds Khan at her most pop-inclined and the results are gorgeous.

Khan sings passionately about the titular character in a way that lets the listener in on her longing, sealing the deal with the beautiful call-and-response chorus. Elsewhere “Pearl’s Dream” starts out nicely enough and then takes off when Khan wordlessly coos her way into the chorus. Her vocal work here is particularly impressive, and it’s one of the album’s real highlights.

Things don’t get any less interesting when the tempo gets turned down either. Slower tracks, like the beautiful “Moon and Moon” and the heartbreaking “Good Love” stand up well against the more upbeat tracks mentioned above. Such songs succeed on the strength of great melodies and you guessed it, Khan remarkable vocalizations.

It’s impossible to talk about Two Suns’ slower moments (or the record as a whole) without mentioning the stunning closer “The Big Sleep.” Khan recruits Scott Walker to lend his unmistakable croon to the track and collaboration pays off big time. The song starts with Walker mournfully echoing Khan, and their voices float in and out of the track and eventually run together amidst a piano piece that sounds like something out of a circus show. By the song’s halfway point, they’re both done singing, and the piano takes over for the last 90 seconds and closes out the album on a beautifully mournful note.

It’s a fantastic performance from both singers that creates a track that leaves a lasting impression once the album is over. It’s a strong finish to an excellent album.

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Catch Bat For Lashes Sunday August 9 at 1:30 p.m. on Lollapalooza 2009′s vitaminwater stage in Chicago’s Grant Park! For tickets, click here.
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