A Music Album Review of ‘Magic Hour’ by the Scissor Sisters

It has been a long absence for the fans of the bands. Therefore they have responded with the album ‘Magic Hour‘. Credit has to go to the Scissor Sisters because they have largely stuck to their guns. In this review we noticed that they did not sacrifice their ear-candy antics for artistic expression. That can only be a good thing. There are not many bands that are able to have fun even as they compete for the top spot on the album charts.

Tragically the Scissor Sisters are far more popular outside the USA than within. Perhaps this is something to do with their ear-friendly music and the fact that they have a gay singer as their frontman (America can be incredibly insular at times). It does not mean that acts like Lady Gaga have not made the case that you can be a camp band and make it in the states. Their last album was ‘Night Work’ and it was a signature billing for many nightclubs. Some accused them of being kid-orientated while at the same time being sex obsessed. However the band has managed to retain their place in the mainstream.

Our view in this review is that the album ‘Magic Hour‘ by the Scissor Sisters is very comprehensive. It does not stick to one formula. Rather the members appear to have grown up during their period of absence. In some parts it is a 1970s pop album while at other times they indulge in ballads. It is all good fun. Strikingly the band has not lost their basic sound. Jake Shears dominates with his distinctive falsetto voice. The production is better than before and their delivery is energetic.

The quality of the tunes is exceptionally good. We loved ‘Only the Heroes’ which is likely to become a dance hit. There is maturity in ‘San Luis Obispo’ and yet they can also soar in ‘Crocodile Rock’. Clubs up and down the nation will soon have to get used to ‘Lets Have Kinky’. This time their female member Ana Matronic takes the lead. The middle ground is occupied by ‘F-Yeah’. The lyrics are considerably tamer than in ‘Night Work’ where the band almost advocated for rampant promiscuity.

This review indicates that the band has thankfully not changed their essential sound. It is their identity. Perhaps they could have chosen raunchier lyrics. We are used to the band talking (or singing) dirty.