> Reviews > Reviews 2008 > Siouxsie Sioux

Review by Warro.

Did the former punk princess leave us all spellbound?

Siouxsie Sioux is 50 years old and has no cellulite. I know the former because I looked it up on Wikepedia. I know the latter because last night she was wearing a silver and gold leotard. She obviously looks after herself well and looks good - a little bundle of energy on the stage of the Wulfren Hall.

The good sized audience was made up of a large number of 40 plus somethings (that'd be us then), who despite Siouxsie wanting for noise and movement from a Tuesday Night crowd, were clearly enjoying this rare performance by the punk goth diva.

She was here to promote her debut solo album Manta-Ray and played the majority of it during the 75 minute set. A good number of the punters (myself included) seemed largely unaware of the new songs, however, the theme of the night was that you cannot deny quality. Of this there is an abundance thoughout her work. Slipped in early in the set were a double of 'Dear Prudence' (ok, a cover) and 'Hong Kong Garden' - great great songs. But that is not to decry the quality of the contained within Manta-Ray. From opener 'Into a Swan' to the last song of the main set - a tremendous explosion of tribal rythmns similar to her work with The Creatures, but more akin to the drive of Killing Joke. Through the eveing, it's crystal clear that Siouxsie is a great artist.

Returning to the stage for an encore that included the wonderous 'Spellbound', her voice was starting to suffer a little from the nights work - but what the hell - she'd great.

Finally, a quick word about support band Ipso Facto (latino for 'by that very fact'!) - very nice songs in a psychodelia garage pop stylee from a bunch of young kids. I could see myself watching them on the Carling Stage at Leeds.

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