Live Review: Bat For Lashes & Kirin J Callinan

Kirin J Callinan has proven himself to be something of a wildcard live, but tonight he was a charismatic, crooning frontman. When not assailing the ears of early-evening attendees with heavy electronics married to grinding guitars, his loud chewing gum mastication and between song banter was downright charming. Ending shirtless and blazing through WIIW, the feeling of total self-exposure for the sake of art was prevalent, making Callinan a perfect fit for what was to come.

As Bat For Lashes, aka Natasha Khan's, songs were brought to the live domain, they were transformed from haunting ballads to dancing moments, as Khan flew about the stage in vivid rainbow metallic cape and dress. She delivered even the most solemn of songs, like the tragically heartfelt Sleep Alone, with a smile upon her face, seemingly overjoyed by the fanatic reception of the crowd, their whooping and hollering extended into the quiet moments mid-song and after every high note hit pitch-perfect.

Khan's voice was flawless, soaring through newer songs like A Wall and All Your Gold made even more impressive considering she barely ever stood still. Her extraordinary showmanship translated to her genuine enthusiasm when playing the jaunty piano opening on Horse & I, to her constant dance moves perfectly timed to every note coming from her tight band. If there were to be a moment during the night when all her talents culminated, sweeping the audience along, it was the show-stopping Laura. A simple song that required little more than her voice and a piano, the hushed silence that overtook the venue turned into deafening roars when she hit the final note with confidence. By the time Khan ended the show with a rousing Daniel, screaming with delight back to the audience, there was no doubt we had all become enchanted by Bat For Lashes.