I love the Scissor Sisters. Their debut was pretty much flawless and they are responsible for one of my all time favourite Kylie tracks (the unreleased gem "I Know"). And it doesn't hurt that I want to do bad, bad things to Del Marquis and Babydaddy. So you can imagine how excited I was about last night's Sydney concert - despite my misgivings about their latest album. Unfortunately, the show turned out to be as stale and boring as "Night Work". Half a decade of recycled ideas is really starting to take its toll on the band and fans alike, if the lacklustre turn out was any indication. Their Elton John trapped in a San Fran darkroom circa 1979 pastiche was a breathe of fresh air back in 2004 but it's getting more tired than Madonna's vagina. As is their increasingly formulaic stage craft. Jake still prances around like the poor man's Freddie Mercury, while Ana does her best not to look completely useless by 'playing' the tambourine and doing the occasional bit of bad choreography. Thank gay Jesus for the other members - who concentrate on menial tasks like playing their instruments competently and looking sexy. Without trying.It wasn't a complete write off. Songs like "Laura", "Comfortably Numb" and "Take Your Mama" still sound amazing live and I'd forgotten how much I like at least half of "Ta-Dah". Fabulous tranny anthem "She's My Man" and Ana's failed bid at landing Jake's job "Kiss You Off" went down a treat with fans. Unfortunately, those gems only serve to underline the mediocrity of their new material. The stillborn lead single "Fire With Fire" is just as deathly boring live as it is on the album, while songs like "Nightlife" and the title track cover very familiar territory. On the bright side, "Whole New Way" is hot without sounding like it belongs on a porn soundtrack (hello "Harder You Get") and "Any Which Way" stands out as a massive hit in waiting. "Invisible Light" comes a very close second but I think the Sisters wasted it as a pre-album promo single. Stupid. Re-reading this review, it comes across a lot harsher than intended. The Scissor Sisters still bring something different to the pop world and occasionally knock out a great pop tune but I know they're capable of so much more. Maybe they just set the bar too high. A very average concert from a band who used to be anything but.
