While many rockers scream about rebellion and the generation gap, the Scissor Sisters unironically encourage fans to "take your mama out all night, and show her what it's all about."

Seeming to have risen fully formed from a heap of glitter, leather, shattered disco vinyl, and exposed wires, the flamboyant New Yorkers are adamant about getting their kicks as hard and as fast as possible while they still can.

The group's debut, released here in May, reflects that impetus. An energetic, keyboard-heavy album celebrating the sexual energy of New York nightlife, Scissor Sisters is also a mélange of many different styles, attitudes and feelings. From the roller-coaster emotionality of opening track "Laura," to the rowdy party lyrics and falsetto vocals of "Take Your Mama," to the disco interpretation of Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," to the morose strumming and keyboards of "Mary," the album shifts gears relentlessly. And that's only the first four tracks.

Debut single "Take Your Mama" has made waves on radio and TV in the United States as well as in the U.K. — where they're already on their fifth single, having gone platinum with their top-five album. Inspired by lead singer Jake Shears' mother, who attends his concerts and encourages her son's passion for big-city nightlife, the single has inspired British fans to throw Take Your Mama Out parties where the only rule, says singer Ana Matronic, is "no mom, no entry."

The Sisters formed five years ago with their mamas' support, and the bandmembers mirror the album's diversity with stylish sensibilities often missing from both bubblegum and indie pop. Their diverse sexual orientations have become something of an issue for the Scissors, however, who maintain that their sexuality is only one aspect of their respective personalities. Onstage, says Shears, they're just a rock band.

Each member of Scissor Sisters — which includes petite tour de force Shears, bold and colorful Ana Matronic, multi-instrumentalist Babydaddy, drummer Paddy Boom, and guitarists Del Marquis and Derek G — takes on a part in their rocking onstage cabaret.

The band, which has been touring for more than a year, boasts an unabashed theatricality. "It's very participatory," Shears says. "The audience is just as much a part of it as we are. If audience members lose themselves in the music and have a great time, our job is done."

Shears also ensures that the live show doesn't simply regurgitate the album. "It's a lot heavier than the album," he says. "It's very loud and crazy and frantic. It's definitely rock and roll." The Scissors' audience ranges in age from younger than 10 to older than 70, a diversity that may or may not have something to do with the possibility of catching a glimpse of Shears' inadvertently exposed manhood.

While opening for Elton John, Shears recalls feeling a draft and noticing that his too-tight pants had split. There he was, exposed "in front of 25,000 people, mostly old ladies with blue hair, and their grandkids."

When the bandmembers take the stage, Shears says, their sexuality becomes secondary. "Americans are very hung up on sexuality," he explains, "so that's sort of our appeal. But when we go onstage, that stuff dissipates and it's just music."

Scissor Sisters tour dates, according to their publicist:

  • 9/8 - Philadelphia, PA @ TBA
  • 9/9 - Boston, MA @ TT's
  • 9/10 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
  • 9/14 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
  • 9/15 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
  • 9/16 - Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
  • 9/20 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
  • 9/21 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Liquid Joe's
  • 9/23 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox
  • 9/24 - Vancouver, BC @ Richard's on Richards
  • 9/25 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
  • 9/27 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
  • 9/28 - San Diego, CA @ 'Canes
  • 9/29 - Hollywood, CA @ The Avalon