Scissors For Lefty
Rickshaw Stop - Aug 30, 2008
review by anna2913

I openly confess that Scissors For Lefty is one of my favorite bands. But bias cuts both ways, and often leaves you disappointed when you really wanted to see a band shine.

I have wanted to see them for well over a year (but have been thwarted by extensive time abroad), and my expectations could not have been higher, considering the rave reviews they always elicit. Did they deliver, you ask? I give you two words: Sheer Bliss.

Like a fine bottle of champagne on a breezy summer evening, Scissors For Lefty was intoxicating fun par excellence. Their infectious brand of genre-smashing dance rock is the best kind of ear candy - ebullient and lively, vastly energetic and broadly appealing. There’s no shortage of poetry, wit, sentiment, and substance.

And their versatility is extensive - unlike some high octane acts who get boring and awkward if they slow down, Scissors For Lefty is charming and often gorgeous. Some bands have trouble translating their enthusiasm and likability from the stage to the studio or vice versa - these guys seem to thrive no matter where they are.

Returning from a summer in the studio, they were clearly elated to be back on stage, and graced us with a selection of songs from Underhanded Romance to ensure we’d be dancing to some of our favorites.

But they were also keen on performing some of their new material, so much of the show was composed of stuff we hadn’t heard before. By the end of the night I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the new tracks and continue dancing 'til I dropped.

It’s rare to see such a combination of personality and talent onstage, and if you can sit still while they’re playing, check your pulse. But their performance charisma is only half the delight - they are genuinely gracious and winsome offstage as well. They love what they do, and their delight with life bleeds through and sets them apart as one of the most endearing groups I’ve ever seen.

Fun, massively talented, and effortlessly charming, these five guys are one of the best and brightest features of San Francisco. If you have seen them, get ready to dance some more as they return with an arsenal of killer new songs. If you haven’t, I hereby add my voice to the chorus of enthusiasts who insist:

Go See This Band Live.

posted Sep 01, 2008
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