EVEN the most angelic of singing voices can have an off day, and developing vocal-crippling laryngitis is pretty much as bad as it can get.

Following a scintillating performance at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival two weeks ago, Natasha Khan, lead singer and creative impresario of post-folk balladeers Bat For Lashes, has had to cancel gigs and drink copious amounts of Lemsip to try to regain her crystal-clear singing voice.

Now thankfully on the mend, her band, made up of multi-instrumentalists Abi and Ginger Lee, are set to play their first headline London gig at The Luminaire on Tuesday, June 6.

Part of the new-wave of alt-folk musicians, together with Coco Rosie, Devendra Banhart and Anthony and the Johnsons, Bat For Lashes meld the old with the new: elements of Bjork, Cat Power and even Kate Bush are recalled as the tenacious threesome work their magic utilising a myriad of instruments and experimental sounds and rhythms.

Electronic machines are just as common on stage as harpsichords, and autoharps and violas are as much used as pianos and guitars.

Intimate yet majestic, Bat For Lashes create a world where the fantastic and the sublime meet, and where beauty triumphs over darkness.

It is clear that Bat For Lashes draw on their worldly experiences to create a distinctly "other-worldly" sound.

Growing up in Pakistan, travels to America, and even a stint as a nursery school teacher has armed Natasha with a vivid imagination and a superlative gift for story-telling.

Combined with intricate musicianship the results are impressive.

The lyrics are ethereal, the music cinematic, and the experience divine.

Bat For Lashes will be performing at The Luminaire, 311 High Road, Kilburn, London NW6 7JR on Tuesday, June 6. Tickets £7, doors 7.30pm. Ring 020 7372 8668 or visit www.theluminaire.co.uk.