Fischerspooner in Concert (Review)
October 03, 2003
Anybody can be a pop star in the land of Fischerspooner. The New York based electro-punk duo proves that even with questionable musical talent, it is possible to create music that is both fascinating and exciting. The group's self-admitted glorification of pop art provides a bubble of substance that is resonating with a growing number of devoted fans.
Fischerspooner performed last night at Earthlink Live in Atlanta (preceded by the impressive Kenna). Casey Spooner, the magnetic and sexually ambiguous lead performer, and Warren Fischer, the quiet musical brain, were cheered on by a small audience, filling only half of the theatre at best. The two were accompanied by two background singers and a troop of four female dancers.
Their playlist included songs from the debut album "#1." mixed with new work from their upcoming new record.
In a formal statement today, Fischerspooner's publicist in Los Angeles tells Arjan that the group is still working on their second album, which is slated for release in 2004.
Spooner walked a fine line between utterly disrespecting his audience and giving them the attitude they've come to enjoy and expect. He showed diva-class with his ongoing tantrums demanding fans to sing along -- "Sing with me fuckin' assholes, goddammit!"
In another moment of hilarity, the Georgia native pointed out his mother in the audience while confessing, "I am the monster she created. If you have problems with me, go to her. She is the one to blame."
The group's avant-weird fashion and theatrical performance was drenched in a futuristic feast of bleeps and beats.
Often the show left you wondering how much of this is scripted and what is art of the moment. In an earlier interview with Arjan, Spooner said, "The only goal is to make something that is entertaining, but interesting. Maybe the interesting part fucks some people up."
It is exactly this feeling of anxiety and provocation that made Fischerspooner's visual extravaganza exciting to watch regardless of their mediocre musical achievement.