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Review: Scissor Sisters, Electric Bristol – ‘Fervent filthy fun’
After 12 years away, a completely new musical landscape awaits the Scissor Sisters.
Luckily, they have a band packed with elite performing powerhouses and haven’t aged a day in the meantime.
This evening was guaranteed to be filled with effervescent joy: it marks 20 years since their self-titled debut album and is as good a time as any for them to get back on the stage entertaining the masses.
is needed now More than ever
With a head packed full of the SS greatest hits I smashed down a coffee & whiskey and headed to dance.
Electric Bristol is sold out tonight, and most have got here early for support act Tom Rasmussen. Oh my god, what a voice! It feels like they could sing in their sleep and it would sound epic.
Rasmussen relishes the catharsis of performance, pirouetting around the stage filled with passion, kilt spinning and smiling winks covering every inch of the Electric Bristol stage with joy.
Their set is packed with euphoria, humour, and vulnerability. Look At Me is introduced with a giant smile as they describe their appearance as: “If Britney Spears was a bear.”
Dysphoria is an introspective and inclusive anthem that unites the crowd, with a couple pulling their partner close to kiss them right in front of me. A positively life-affirming show.
Dolly Parton’s Baby I’m Burning pumps out aptly from the Electric Bristol’s PA; the crowd is raring to go. What an opportunity this is, to see an arena band in such intimate surroundings.
Scissor Sisters explode into the room, filling it with so much joy that the place becomes a dancefloor instantly. It feels surreal to see singer Jake Shears in such proximity.
They begin with their debut album opener Laura, with an outpouring of emotion everywhere I look. This is what it’s all about: music for people to be themselves, find their own space, and have a good boogie.
A set that’s abundant with all the good stuff and all the hits is performed with the theatrics of a stage show and the energy of a gig.
There is equal rapturous glee for the mega hit Take Your Mumma as there is for Lovers in the Backseat. The band oozes with sparkling creativity as Jake shares vocals with Bridget Barkan and Amber Martin who provide the humorous back stories to songs, being gorgeously filthy throughout.
Del Marquis’ outrageous solos are nonchalantly played, bringing a calmness to proceedings, while Jake and co never stop moving. And how could they? Lets Have a Kiki into Filthy Gorgeous into Return To Oz are back to back are absolute bangers in every way.
Yeehaaa! It’s the encore! It had to be, there was an I Don’t Feel Like Dancing shape gap that needed filling.
Jake appears resplendent in a grandiosely golden glittery gown, lighting up the stage with unprecedented levels of energy and stagecraft. Music is the Victim closes the set with a kaboom, with the crowd in frenzy upon frenzy.
“We are Scissor Sisters and so are you,” Jake beams, appearing both grateful and ecstatic to be back. Fabulously fervent, filthy fun.
All images: Caitlin Damsell
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