The Glitter In The Dark

Bat for Lashes “Laura”

“Laura” is an odd choice for a lead single, but perhaps I say that only because it’s fairly uncommon for plaintive, genuinely melancholy piano ballads to be pushed by a major label these days. This isn’t new aesthetic ground for Natasha Khan, but it’s a great showcase for her voice, and her skill for conveying a sense of deep emotional connection to her subject. “Laura” overflows with empathy and affection; there are some turns of phrase and inflections that just break my heart because the intensity of her kindness is almost too much to bear. So it gets to me – why does this song sound so sad? What are we not being told about Laura’s life that makes this tribute come across more like a tragedy? She’s singing about someone who seems to thrive in the spotlight – could it be that she’s lamenting that Laura’s best moments come when she’s furthest away from her?

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