Album review: Scissor Sisters

Published on 27/05/2012 00:54

Has Jake Shears recovered his mojo after misplacing it so carelessly before Night Work, an album on which he seemed to forget what the day job was? In parts, yes he has, but Magic Hour still strays off message occasionally.

Scissor Sisters

Magic Hour

Polydor, £12.99

Somewhere and Secret Life Of Letters are the equal of the effortlessly catchy but substantial tunes which made the band’s name. There is Moroder-like majesty to the electronic riffs which power the heart and soul of the record, sounds steeped in the splendour of 1970s disco.

You may have already experienced the Calvin Harris-produced lead single, Only The Horses, and other production luminaries to weigh in include Alex Ridha, Pharrell Williams and Diplo.

The other lead single, Shady Love, may aspire to have an older appeal but only succeeds in sounding like a harsh nursery rhyme. Disposable duo San Luis Obispo and Let’s Have A Kiki irritate and annoy in equal measure.

This is a qualified return to form, but perhaps the fey flippancy which was so fetching almost ten years ago is not quite right for these times of austerity. Or perhaps disposable fluff with bite is exactly what is required. At the very least, the Scissor Sisters have steadied their ship, and the musical world is a brighter place for that.

Colin Somerville

Download this: Somewhere, Self Control