Showmanship, Melodramatics Blend Nicely in Almond’s Show

“It’s been almost 10 years to the day,” Marc Almond said Monday, grinning impishly at an adoring El Rey Theatre audience. “I’ve not changed--what about you?”

Indeed, the slight, dramatically pale English pop singer appeared much the same as he did when he last played L.A. a decade ago, or when his old band Soft Cell scored its techno-pop mega-hit “Tainted Love,” in 1981.

More to the point, his theatrical sensibilities, Gallic affection for sleaze and cynical-romantic obsessions also proved durable, as the show highlighted “Open All Night,” his first U.S. release of new material since 1991, along with selections from his voluminous solo career and several Soft Cell favorites.

Awash in crimson lights and pulsating strobes, the black-clad vocalist sounded better than ever as he sang of an irresistible “Black Kiss” and the terrifying “Threat of Love.” The new material blended Latin, jazz and R&B; strains with modern electronica, at times evoking the dreamy trip-hop of Portis-head and the dark torchiness of Siouxsie & the Banshees. Alternating on guitar, keyboards, bass and synthesizers, Almond’s backing duo wove a sinuous backdrop for his melodramatics.

Some of the older tunes sounded primitive compared to the more lushly conceived new songs, but it was still fun to hear Almond belt out “Sex Dwarf” and “Tainted Love” with decadent gusto. And when he pointed the microphone at the crowd throughout most of the brokenhearted classic “Say Hello Wave Goodbye,” the voices raised in unison never faltered.

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* Marc Almond plays tonight at 8 at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Blvd. $23.50. (323) 936-4790.