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It’s a bold move to play your new album in full, but that’s precisely what Christine and the Queens did last night, treating the 2300-strong Manchester crowd to Paranoïa, Angels, True Love, released in June this year, in its entirety. Those hoping to hear the hits may have been left wanting. But in their place was a rich, carefully curated show, full of intrigue. Confident, pared back and hypnotic, it was part gig, part theatre, part fever dream.
Starting the show with Overture, Tears Can Be So Soft and Marvin Descending, Chris opened proceedings looking otherworldly, in an open waistcoat with bare breasts underneath.
A strong, ethereal being, as a stage presence he transcends. Whether dancing, bashing a bunch of flowers into his chest, or standing completely still, he is pure art. You can’t take your eyes off him.
A Day in the Water, its music ebbing and flowing like waves at the break of dawn, was a highlight, as was Angels Crying In My Bed, which features Madonna.
Indeed, the original Queen of pop features throughout the album, and Madge’s interludes peppered the live show too. From the Biblical references, to the thoughtful shock factor, the parallels between the two performers are clear.
Around half way through the show, it lost momentum.
Track 10 – 11 minutes long – felt like a bit of a slog, and at times, the show felt as if it was slipping into the wrong side of self indulgence.
Yet, despite this, Chris’ energy never waned, and he kept us on side.
Completely bare breasted for a large portion of proceedings, before donning black wings, part angel, part crow, he was mesmeric – an image of delicate strength.
Let the Light Lick Out woke us all back up.
“We are not here to joke about imagination,” Chris told the crowd. “It is the most precious tool that was given.”
And indeed, last night’s show had imagination in spades.
Ending on I Feel Like an Angel and Big Eye, it ended on a high. His voice – astounding, effortless – soaring into the hot Mancunian air.
