Scissor Brothers: Scissors For Lefty

“I think when you see us live you see us having a pretty good time,” grins Pete (Krimmel-keys/guitar).  Frankly, it’s hard to imagine the San Francisco purveyors of “findie” (yes, that’s funny indie” according to Pete) in any other mind-set.  Affable, cheerful and charming, this is clearly a band more than delighted to be where they are at the moment. Their twinkle-eyed enthusiasm is rare in a time where nonchalance and snarls are the standard way too skinny-jean-and-braces brownie points.  Then again, in these surroundings, only the most practiced disciples of morose would struggle to raise a smile. 

Gigwise meets the band in the gorgeously kitsch surroundings of a 50’s themed bowling alley, perhaps a little reminder of home for the Brit-worn boys: “We’ve played here more than we’ve ever played anywhere else, we never ever played these kind of shows in the states and we can’t wait to bring the album back.  We’re playing with bands and getting to see other bands that have always been our heroes, so as far as were concerned, being in a band is not so bad.”

Veterans of the supporting game, the band has been fortunate enough to support a hugely diverse montage of bands: from Fiery Furnaces, to Grandaddy, to the ubiquitous Arctic Monkeys.  Ever wide-eyed and eager, however, Bryan (Garza-vocals/guitar) explains that there was never any trepidation:  “If we can get our fair shake at an audience and have a good time while were still inspired to put songs together then its well worth it”.  The band manage to convey an endearing optimism: whether it be their friendly chit-chat, “playful” lives shows or the buoyancy with which they twist dark tales into yarns of hope.  They somehow, though, manage to skilfully veer away from the slushy American penchant for cheesiness. 

Their thinking-man’s hopefulness is shown in their choice of album title, as Bryan explains:  “we called the album ‘Underhanded Romance’; because we feel we’ve had, in a good way, an underhanded romance with the city of San Francisco.  We’ve seen vans stolen, cars stolen, we’ve seen robberies, then we find ourselves dancing in hallways, having the best time.  We think it’s kinda like enjoying yourself watching Pirates of the Caribbean, the pirates are scoundrels, they’re underhanded, but you can find good times to be had.”  Bryan applies the same cheery yet wise outlook to their inspiration:  “We try and celebrate little chapters of my life, our lives, current events, and try and pave some sort of creative way to sort of make light of the situation, maybe bring it out in the open a little bit more.  Everyone’s first inclination when they’re sitting in a coffee shop is to write down things that have been upsetting or sad, its takes a little bit of extra energy to celebrate why things are going along pretty good.”