The songs are about homoeroticism at work. The bass is stunning. There are laser show interludes and three costume changes in one concert. This is Dorian Electra at its best.

Last Saturday night, the crowd at The Royale nightclub was about 69% more gay than usual. Cat-eared emo teens, cottagecore lesbians branching out in their Demonias, and thirtysomethings in flannels and fishnets all existed in jarring ecstasy. For many spectators, dressing up is an integral part of the experience. The Dorian Electra gig was no different. It’s a way to express yourself, to show solidarity with specific aesthetics or subcultures, and to be part of the show before it’s even started.

Screaming synths and deep bass echoed through a screaming crowd as a hoarse voice called Dorian Electra to the stage. Next, a tight black latex figure, floor-length black cape, dagger-like shoulder pads and what can only be described as a gothic fedora appeared on stage. They stood frozen with their backs turned to the audience, immersed in the acid green light of the stage until the beat dropped, the lights started flashing and the crowd went wild. The special effects made the scene look blurry and out of focus. Combined with Electra’s stylized choreography, Electra herself became like a pixelated, life-size avatar.

The concert kicked off with “F the World,” the first track from Electra’s new project, “MY AGENDA,” which pokes fun at toxic masculinity and online culture through a queer lens.. In the song, Electra takes on the persona of a bitter incel who simultaneously hates and loves the world, using overly violent imagery and tongue-in-cheek references to parodying incel culture. Coupled with a fast, punchy beat, the song is both a dark look at the inner spirit of an extreme misogynist, as well as an upbeat, hype vibe. These bops transitioned to glistening cotton candy bits about being the perfect man such as “Barbie Boy” and “MY AGENDA” as the crowd sang along.

Electra was joined by two backup dancers in strappy black leotards who swayed, floated and waved rainbow pride flags, lifting Electra above the air like some kind of cheerleading team inspired by the cyberpunk. Electra also added humorous, understated theatrical touches with exaggerated fedora hat tips and elaborate choreography performed with a real sword.

Electra also performed songs from their debut album, “FLAMBOYANT,” such as “Adam & Steve,” a choir-inspired track about queer love, with lyrics like “God made me and Adam and Steve / And he loves me”. After the concert ended, shouts of “One more song!” saw Electra return to the stage to perform two songs, “Replay” and “Career Boy”. The latter, which parodies nine-to-five grind culture and capitalism, drew cheers from the crowd.

After the concert ended, people stayed and huddled together, coyly complimenting each other on their sparkly shoulder pads, cow-themed stockings, or pink latex two-pieces. Elsewhere, a furry trio posed for photos. When the house lights came on, the illuminated space revealed individuals of all ages and identities who had come together for a night of queer and campy catharsis. For these fans, going to a Dorian Electra concert isn’t just about yelling along with lyrics like “Hit me with your big book” and “I’m a very flammable, fiery guy” and having tinnitus. It’s about being part of a community with a bunch of other quirky, sparkly, proudly over-the-top fans. It’s about being yourself, whatever that looks like. At a Dorian Electra concert, everyone can be a fiery, flammable guy. Or a Barbie boy. Or anything at all.
—Editor Sophie H. Kim can be reached at [email protected] or thesophiekim.com