SHRIEKBACK ACTION

With his shaved head gleaming and his white pajamas flowing, singer Barry Andrews resembled a rock ‘n’ roll genie as he anchored Shriekback’s concert Saturday at the Variety Arts Center. His camaraderie with the crowd was one of the keys to the show’s success, as were the nimble leaps and ninja poses struck by this forceful but friendly frontman.

Andrews’ blend of the saintly and the sinister also centered the English band’s songs, which often place erudite, enigmatic lyrics in various pop settings--to both humorous and evocative effect. Saturday’s powerfully played set, ranging from tough white funk a la Talking Heads to sinuous, snaky dance-rock to lilting folk/nursery-rhyme changes of pace, swung as well as it rocked, and some of the wilder exchanges suggested a high-tech Cab Calloway.

The core trio of Andrews, bassist Dave Allen and drummer Martyn Baker was supplemented by three more musicians and two female singers, all of whom contributed to the music’s rare blend of fierce energy and moody mystery. The English band’s failure to become big-time stars after last year’s overlooked “Big Night Music” album was puzzling enough. If shows like Saturday’s don’t do the job, somebody’s in the wrong business.