Scissor Sisters
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Riviera Theatre/ Chicago, IL
posted 9/8
Review and Photo by Andy Argyrakis
One of the most energetic and outrageous electro-pop bands of the past decade has been strangely silent since 2006’s Ta-Dah, though that period of hibernation finally came to a halt with the release of this summer’s Night Work (Downtown/Polydor). The Scissor Sisters’ booming new dance disc is a partial throwback to the dance pop revival crossed with the band’s original explorations, all linked together by the falsetto-filled fabulousness of flamboyant front man Jake Shears.
Even more outrageous than the album is the group’s ultra-fun stage show, which at a recent Chicago stop, leaned even closer to the club direction than ever before. Sure, Shears still evokes the vocal tendencies of an early era Elton John, but thanks to the group’s steamy backing beats, strobe and laser light show, plus some spandex sported by the singer, glam has certainly replaced any inklings of a singer/songwriter vibe.
Nonetheless, the solid song craftsmanship of old and new songs alike had no trouble translating to the stage, from the smoldering and sexy “Night Work” to ultra-contagious sing-a-longs like “Laura” and “She’s My Man.” “Any Which Way” brought out the 1970s in full force, providing a flavorful throwback to the disco era (crossed with how The Killers wish they could sound), while “Harder You Get” blasted with Blondie-eque bass and an unabashed sensuality.
Much of the show’s success came from the sheer theatrical nature of the presentations, with “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’” finding Sheers strutting like a runaway model on speed and “Skin Tight” bursting at its synth-saturated seams. “Night Life” brought the main set to an end, aptly capping off the Scissor Sisters’ rejuvenated direction with throbbing thrusts and sugary (but not overly sweet) pulsations, ensuring the group’s infectiousness on the dirty side of the dial.
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