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Feb 22, 2018 Web Exclusive By Ben Jardine

Fischerspooner burst onto the pop scene in 2001 with the preliminary release of #1, an album that essentially defined their careers. At the time, few people anticipated the impact the record would have. A smash hit, it was subsequently re-released two more times, a six-track remix EP of the single “Emerge” was put out, and Fischerspooner were suddenly members of global art and fashion high society. Following a less successful second and third LP, the band took a nine-year hiatus to explore independent projects. But now, with the help of producer and longtime friend, R.E.M.‘s Michael Stipe, Fischerspooner look poised to reestablish themselves as electro-pop mainstays with Sir.

What began as a performance art collective, the focal point of Fischerspooner has always been the creative collaboration between Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner. Over the band’s history, the pair have had as many as 20 collaborators (ranging from costumer to hair stylist to dramaturgist), all of whom were involved in the live performances of their albums—but this center of Fischer and Spooner has always remained, which gives the group’s music its tightly knit connection between sound and message.

The message of Sir is one of gay male empowerment. A vibrant collection of synth-heavy dance tracks, the album tells the stories of failed relationships, addiction, and worn-out perspectives. Tracks oscillate between the more #1-era down-tempo glitch-pop, such as “Try Again” (featuring Andy LeMaster), to more experimental tracks, such as “Oh Rio” (which features Holly Miranda), which is told from the perspective of an elderly gentleman visiting Rio de Janeiro. As is characteristic of a Fischerspooner production, the lyrics slipstream through loose associations and texture the music in engaging ways: among other brilliant phrases, Spooner sings, “I’m a man learning how to be a man’s man, man,” on the venomous dancehall track, “Everything Is Just Alright.”

Sir is a reputable array of dance-pop staples, the likes of which will please Fischerspooner fans of this and past generations. (www.fischerspooner.com)

Author rating: 7/10