Had a good ol’ knees up with The Puppini Sisters at The Pigalle. I do love those girls! Here’s another review for Spoonfed:
The Puppini Sisters do Christmas? Now I’m not a fan of Christmas – at all – but what better cure for my Scrooge-like tendencies than an evening of swinging singing to my favourite time machine sisters? With two excellent albums under their belt, The Puppini Sisters are well known on the burlesque scene, reviving classics all over the shop with their own upbeat take on tracks such as The Andrews Sisters ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’.
All wrapped up like Christmas crackers in golden dresses the Puppini Sisters are as much about image as they are their singing. The trio come in a variety of colours – blonde, brunette and redhead – as well a variety of sizes and attitudes. There’s flame-haired siren Stephanie, a violin player with legs that seem to go on forever. Her huge smile, delicately coated in red lipstick, spills seduction as she croons into the mic. Blonde Kate is curvacious and obviously reminiscent of Monroe with her carefully coiffed blonde curls, oozing sex appeal much like the original blonde bombshell. And let us not forget brunette Marcella Puppini, the group’s founder and accordion player, whose cheeky grin and petite size make her a delight.
The Pigalle, with its decadent layout and tables piled high with delicious food and champagne, is the perfect place for this camp trio’s performance. It’s a bit like being at an expensive office party as we plonk ourselves down with our bucket of wine beside us (much like everyone else), ready to be dazzled. I’m surprised (but not upset) that there are not that many renditions of Christmas songs. I am, however, seduced by the group’s ability to mix up songs both old and new, delivered with an almost tongue-in-cheek comedic value, all the while hitting the right notes. Their covers of tracks such as Blondie’s ‘Heart of Glass’ and Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ are transformed into retro soaked musical delights with hips swinging and swaying, all smiles and white teeth.
One thing that’s confusing is where the The Puppini Sisters see themselves going. In one respect their voices lend themselves brilliantly to the tracks that they cover, yet their image and playful performances may well label them as a novelty. But honestly, who really cares? These upbeat twenty-somethings are doing something fun and different. The fact that they come as a trio instead of a one woman pin-up show knocks other acts out of the water. This is reflected with their second album, ‘The Rise And Fall Of Ruby Woo’, that not only features the expected array of covers, but also original material that showcases their talent as writers and composers. The Puppini Sisters may appear a frivolous act on the surface, decked out in matching kitsch style, yet their behind-the-scenes involvement in every aspect of their performance is perfectly calculated and maintained. They ooze charisma together on stage as they playfully try to outdo each other on each track, clutching their trademark instruments.
Its the Puppini Sister’s cover of Beyoncé’s ‘Crazy In Love’ that the crowd, of all ages, know and love the best. The signature introduction is enough to provoke a loud cheer from us all followed by some frantic dancing and swinging. I’m pretty sure I even see a few bottoms wiggling in seats round the tables. The Puppini Sisters won’t be your thing if you’re expecting something serious and sultry, but if you’re an appreciator of sassy, soulful and just plain silly, then they are one act to watch.
