The Handcuffs - Waiting For The Robot
Alright, let's get right to the point here, this is a great album. It's a stripped-down DIY take on alt-glam with the breakout track - instant party song all-time classic - Everybody Waves Hello being the crown jewel in a sack bursting full of gems. Essential.
In your face and loud about it, this is the third album from core members Brad Elvis and Chloe F. Orwell. To complete their line-up, Brad and Chloe have welcomed three powerhouse musicians to help them, bassist Emily Togni, Ellis Clark on guitar and Alison Hinderliter on keyboards. Embodying the spirit of rock music's uninhibited, sexy and overbearing appeal, they're a kick-ass blend of style and energy.
They work rock's familiar territories in original ways with authentic enthusiam, and their signature vibe pours through in fantastic fidelity. The recording and mastering is spot-on with Mike Hagler (Wilco, the Pulsars, Neko Case, the Mekons) at Kingsize Sound in Chicago making it happen behind the booth. It's a combination of a band with a great sound, sounding great.
And the word is out about The Handcuffs, they've been featured in movies and tv shows and you've probably already heard them. If you haven't, this is definitely a band worth looking into. They've got a carefree likeability and pop appeal that other bands work for years to fake half as well as they do naturally. You can't help but like them - resistance is futile! It's like The Handcuffs live in something of an Austin Powers-esque alternate world with clubs every night, trashing hotels rooms and emptying liquor cabinets as security throws them out.
Timeless, timely and fresh, Waiting For The Robot is an instant classic. The Handcuffs define their space and own it. It re-imagines the best of the retro rock scene with a hint of disco glam and sparkles like sequined dancers. A must-have.
