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Chris Elwell-Sutton's rating
, Monster show from Franken Sisters
By
Chris Elwell-Sutton
1 Nov 2006
The critics may have greeted their second album with less of a fanfare than its title, Ta Dah, but after this theatrical Halloween spectacle there is no doubt about the devotion the Scissor Sisters inspire in their fans, or about the high levels of entertainment they provide them.
The group insisted the audience came in fancy dress, and nearly every fan enthusiastically complied. For this reason, Brixton buzzed with the fun atmosphere of a real Halloween party long before the group came on stage.
See more pictures from the gig here
In the crowd were the usual witches, wizards, skeletons and girls in bunny ears. The finest outfits included a cyberman from Dr Who, a handful of Clockwork Orange characters, a Freddie Kruger and a comedy flasher, complete with dirty old raincoat. Then curtain was raised, revealing a creepy set modelled on Dr Frankenstein's laboratory.
A huge scream of horror and delight came from the crowd as an operating table tilted into a vertical position to reveal lead singer Jake Shears, disguised as a decidedly fruity Frankenstein's monster, his green face and f lat head set off by a sparkling leather jacket and trousers and a super-camp crop top.
Undaunted by his costume, or the fact that he was strapped to the table, Shears launched straight into a slow atmospheric version of Tonight's The Night Bass, backed up admirably by a zombified band, including bass guitarist Babydaddy who sported a full werewolf get-up.
More energetic, but not entirely inspiring melodically, She's My Man, also from the new album, earned a positive response. But it was the more familiar Tits On The Radio, sung largely by Ana Matronic (who appeared on stage by appearing to fall to her death before re- emerging as an undead creature of some kind) that whipped up the first moment of genuine frenzy.
The show, which had sold out in 90 minutes, was also noteworthy for its use of the internet to promote a cause. Fans who signed up to globalcool.com, a site patronised by many celebrities and devoted to energy conservation and the environment, were given access to a live webcast of the event.
The contrast between good songs that are merely good, and great older ones reared its head again when the rather uninteresting Land Of A Thousand Words was followed by the song that put them on the map: Comfortably Numb, which seemed to turn the set into a sparkly gay go-go bar as Shears and his falsetto pranced around with glee.
Even if this wasn't a sign of the first album's superiority, it certainly demonstrated the emotional attachment fans had developed towards the first. Ultimately, however, the audience got more than their money's worth, thanks to a brilliantly designed set and the Scissor Sisters' constant barrage of fun and energy.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (7)
Saw the Scissor Sisters in the last concert of the tour in the MEN last night... great energy and they were singing well I guess but the sound was TERRIBLE and distorted. Someone should shoot the sound manager as it was a disgrace, impossible to hear the singing for the muddy bass and volume of loud noise in all the songs. It hurt to listen and was very annoying and pointless.
We left before the end and I view it as a waste of my ticket money.
- Penny, North Wales, 02/08/2007 11:58
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Wow - just heard Filthy Gorgeous and am hooked! Any idea if this band ever comes to the States?
- Kathy, San Francisco, USA, 14/11/2006 21:51
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I love the Scissor Sisters and particulalry Jake's voice (combination operatic and rock) so I was incredibly excited to see them even if I was scared to go to Brixton in sexy costume. Since the show got started so late and my pals were worried they'd have to leave early to catch the tube out of town in time (it was a Tues afterall), we lost some of our steam. The set design was interesting but flat and the party didn't really get going until after they sang Comfortably Numb (close to the very end). I loved the finale since it was everything I expected from the theatrical and lyrical band, but I agree they seemed to play more for themsleves than for us.
Lastly, every time Ana Matronic said something, she included "Ladies and Gentlemen" and the word "f**k" which made it seem robotic and flat. Many people commented on how not-funny the stories were and left us with a "hmmm" sensation.
Sorry guys! I know you can do better! Pay attention to what you say...
- Eileen, London, 07/11/2006 14:50
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The sound quality wasn't the best but overall I think this was an amzing gig & I had a fabulous time as did all those around me.
Small comment to Nikki - you should have tried going to Basement Jaxx on Sunday. They didn't come on til 10.15 as the venue had got a last minute extension & as far as I ma aware the gig suddenly became extended till 1am ON A SUNDAY
- Kyla, London UK, 01/11/2006 16:07
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This gig was fantastic. I'm a huge fan of the scisters, and each time i see them they get better, but this gig, wow, it was just incredible, from the jim henson gargoyles to the oddly dressed roadies, everything about this show screamed scissor sisters.
It was lovely seeing them doing such an intimate performance, it's just a shame not everybody made the effort.
- Hollie, Reading, UK, 01/11/2006 15:40
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The show was a disappointment. By the time the Scissor Sisters started (approx 9.45) we had moved beyond excited to just plain bored. It was a great finale but the rest of the show seemed uninspired and it looked like they were performing just for themselves. We were sat in the circle with over officious stewards not letting people stand - this is the first show I have been to where this has been the case. The sound quality wasn't great plus Ana and Jake need to learn a few swear words other than the f word. Thanks to the late start we didn't get home until 12.15am so am shattered at work, there really is no need to start shows so late.
- Nikki, London, 01/11/2006 13:32
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Brilliant, fun, electric... what a night! Everyone looked fantastic, especially the Scissors! Their performance was so full of playful fun and we, the audience, were ready to join in. I have to say the best costume spotted was Robotman, brilliant!
On a downer was the fact that the security staff kept making us sit down (was located in Circle seats) which really ruined the atmosphere, we the fans, won in the end but really, its Halloween, we made such a effort and its the Scissor Sisters, to try and keeping us seated was just pointless. But will definately rethink purchasing tickets to Brixton Academy if they are not standing... .how can you go to a gig and not be allowed to dance?
- Jen, London, 01/11/2006 13:16
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