From left to right: Kim Ann Foxman, Andy Butler, Nomi
My love for Antony Hegarty has been well-documented on this blog, so naturally I was excited about his participation in “Hercules and Love Affair”. The project garnered a lot of interest earlier this year with the release of their debut album on DFA Records and has promptly been touted as the queerest band in modern music by various blogs. While I was quite enraptured by the album tracks featuring Antony’s voice, such as the fantastic “Time Will”, “Raise Me Up” and the anthemic hit single “Blind”, I found myself not enjoying the other album tracks as much, “Iris” and “Athene” being downright irritating in my opinion, which was a bit of a shame since the latter had great lyrics and beats.
So what exactly possessed me to go and see the band last night despite Antony not being a part of the touring line-up of Hercules and Love Affair I don’t really know – I think it might have been the many positive reviews regarding their live show. And I’m very glad I listened, because it was one of those gigs where I couldn’t possibly not move to the music – Hercules and Love Affair is an outfit that aims to make you dance, and that’s the best kind of show there is. Antony’s vocals were divvied up between Kim Ann Foxman who is surprisingly cute, and Nomi, who is surprisingly sexy. And, according to Andy Butler, who comes across as more likable than in promos, was “wearing next to nothing.” I found it very amusing to witness how the men in the audience, regardless of their sexual orientation, were lusting after her.
Their dynamics worked really well, especially considering that the stage was shared by a very diverse bunch of people. Nomi and Kim Ann often danced with each other and maintained eye contact, Andy Butler and Kim Ann had a tender moment while talking to each other, and every single member of the impressive live band seemed to be having a great time, an enthusiasm which was returned by the audience. Yep, before Andy Butler and Kim Ann got to introduce the band, they had to “endure” several minutes of raging applause from us, which they commented with “Wowza Minelli”. I admit – I didn’t get it, but because they were taking pictures of the audience from the stage, it must have been a compliment.
The audience, I have to admit, was once again my only point of criticism. As was to be expected, it largely consisted of hipsters and the super-gay (i.e. those who identify themselves by ways of their sexual orientation, and sexual orientation alone), groups of people who must have shed manners, politeness and kindness in their quest to becoming fabulous (in their own minds, obviously). This is the only explanation I have for the constant and blatant pushing to the front and general reckless behaviour, which really does irk me a lot. However, the positive memories outweigh – it was a wonderful night, and an affair that I would love to keep repeating over and over again 
Hercules and Love Affair (MySpace)
