PICTURE Manhattan's notorious Times Square and 42nd Street before tough-talking mayor Rudolf Giuliani turned the place around in the 90s - in their minds that's the city Scissor Sisters inhabit, and the flavour they bring to their songs and shows. They're the kind of New Yorkers who use the word sleazy, but in a good way.

And so it was that under the kitch neon signs of that bygone era the Sisters unleashed their anthemic brand of disco funk indie-rock on a British seaside town in the autumn rain.

As they crash at breakneck speed through the eponymously-titled, chart-topping, album they're peddling, I'm reminded of similar scenes in Portsmouth and Brighton where they've held me in thrall. Then, as now, they demonstrate the joy they feel on stage, at performing and at being adored.

Lead singer Jake Shears may be too young to remember ABC frontman Martin Fry, but tonight he's wearing his gold lame jacket. And guitarist Del Marquis? Okay, imagine Colin Firth as Mr Darcy, but gay. I know it would wreck the plot but go with me. Pale pink high-waisted breeches are corseted around his torso.

The front-line is completed by self-confessed "woman in a drag-queen's body" Ana Matronic and big bearded bear of a bassist Babydaddy. It's all backed up by straight-man (literally) Paddy Boom on drums, of course.

You'd think subtlety was anathema to these people. And you'd be right - to a point.

But alongside the bombastic showpieces Filthy/Georgeous and Pink Floyd cover Comfortably Numb, come the beauteous tribute to a best friend, Mary (current single), Laura, and Return to Oz, the closest I'll ever get to a heroin comedown.

Like Blondie before them (and with whom they'll share a stage at Edinburgh's Hogmanay) these New Yorkers are stacking up UK plaudits to use as ammunition when they train their guns on the American chart.

I feel so used - but in a good way!

First published: October 18