The Handcuffs: Press

So, this press page is a little unorthodox, but it's our website and our band and we think blogs, zines, quotes from friends (some more well-known than others) and fan mail are just as valuable as mainstream popular press. So, we've got a mix of it all here, and yeah, we're doing some name-dropping, too. Bring it on!

NEW REVIEWS FOR "ELECTROLUV"
By Jim DeRogatis, the Chicago Sun-Times:
"Fronted by sultry vocalist Chloe F. Orwell and powered by irrepressible drummer Brad Elvis, the Handcuffs came together several years ago as a duo, forming from the ashes of the local power-pop band Big Hello and drawing on a range of glam and cool pop influences from David Bowie to Blondie to Britpop. The group eventually expanded to become a quartet with the addition of bassist Emily Togni and guitarist-keyboardist-multi-instrumentalist Ellis Clark, and at long last, they're celebrating the follow-up to their debut album 'Model for a Revolution' with the release of their new disc 'Electroluv.' Hot off a number of shows at the College Music Journal Conference in New York last month and riding the buzz created by the selection of the effervescent new song 'Gotta' Problem with Me?' for Margaret Cho's VH1 series, the band is celebrating with a record release show Friday at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. Turn out to hear the group's new songs live, or sample the band's music on the Web at myspace.com/thehandcuffs."
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By Matt Pais, Chicago Tribune Red Eye:
"An immensely catchy and considerably glam pop-rock record that inserts its hooks into your brain and refuses to leave."

(Read the entire Red Eye article/interview here, where we talk about everything from our "airplay" on MTV to our favorite pizza place in Chicago.)
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By Gretchen Gaskill, Amplifier Magazine:
"Like bread and butter, Brad Elvis and Chloe Orwell, of the Chicago-based band The Handcuffs, work together to spread peace, passion and the power of rock with their second album, Electroluv."

(From an interview in the "Amplified" feature of the current issue. Read the entire interview/article, entitled "A Striking Bond," here.
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By John Borack, Goldmine Magazine:
"Not a bad tune in the litter, with the piano poundin' 'Half A Mind,' the dreamy 'Wonderful Life' and the kicky, bass-and-drum-heavy 'Baby Boombox' shining particularly brightly... Extremely highly recommended."

(Read the entire Goldmine "Rave On" review here. Scroll down about half way through the page to see The Handcuffs' section.)
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By Tim Cain, Entertainment Editor, the Herald & Review:
"The band's new album, 'Electroluv,' is just out, and rocketed into my top 10 for the year...What I like best about this album is the songs are allowed to breathe."

(Read the entire Herald & Review article/review, entitled "The Handcuffs, 2008," here.)
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By Jim Kopeny, Associate Editor, Arts & Entertainment, Chicagoist (Rockin' Our Turntable):
"The band's sophomore album 'Electroluv' continues the band's evolution as core 'Cuffs Brad Elvis and Chloe F. Orwell kick out teeth rattling pop tune after pop tune. Elvis' drumming is solid as ever and Orwell has finally found a voice all her own that she wields artfully. Bassist Emily Togni and multi-instrumentalist Ellis Clark build up and around that central foundation to populate an album that doesn't belong to any specific point in time. And, if you think of it, isn't that the goal of all really good pop music."
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Blurt's Best Kept Secret feature, Blurt Magazine:
"Chicago's The Handcuffs release album, stay focused, remain lighthearted...oh, and get the BLURT nod of approval, too."
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By Marty Wombacher, Natalie Word Magazine:
"The songs on the CD range from the quirky, catchy as a terminal cold that you don't want to cure, 'Electroluv,' with its Lady Madonnaesque guitar/saxophone attack, to the breezy, optimistic anthem, 'Turn It Up,' to the punkified pop of 'Somebody Somewhere.' 'Electroluv' delivers a smorgasbord of rocking sounds including blazing guitars, fat bottomed bass, pianos, organs, flutes, saxophones, synthesizers, vibraphones and a Hammond B3 organ. And of course the icing on the smorgasbord is the signature sweltering, velvety hot sauce vocals from Chloe F. Orwell and the glue that holds it all together, the wall of sound drumming that sounds like a stampeding herd of a thousand arms battering away at the drum kit of Brad Elvis."
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By Ira Robbins, Editor in Chief of Trouser Press:
"Orwell sounds more like Debbie Harry on 'Electroluv,' walking the same line between coquettish and defiant, in a broad spectrum of styles. The new lineup includes guitarist/pianist Ellis Clark and bassist Emily Togni (although Canino and others contributed, and the resourceful Orwell adds synth, flute, sax, organ, vibraphone and guitar); the sound is less pure pop and more, dare it be said, adult. Brad's songs tend to cling to tag lines ('Half a Mind,' 'God Is Sure One Funny Girl,' 'I Just Wanna Be Free, Man,' the outstanding 'Gotta' Problem With Me?') in the choruses, but most of the ideas being ridden so hard are clever enough for it not to matter. The peppy 'Somebody Somewhere,' with distorted spoken vocals, is ferocious fun, while Orwell's 'Turn It Up' is another highlight."
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By Scott Bryson, CHARTattack, Canada:
"This Chicago-based duo aim for Creature's sexy style, Ladytron's rock chops and the raw energy of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs."
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By Michael Bennett, Hablo Ennui:
"Unlike some bands that settle for imitation, Elvis and Orwell know that the reason their influences sounded so good was because they kept trying new things. So they do the same. The result is yet another swell album." ___________________________________

REVIEWS FOR "MODEL FOR A REVOLUTION" AND
THE HANDCUFFS LIVE
By Kevin Bronson, the Los Angeles Times:
"Smart and sassy, charming and even a little bit cerebral, 'Model for a Revolution' carries a tune with such a spring in its step tht you figure The Handcuffs must have stumbled across the same fountain of youth from which their forebears sipped."
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From drummer Clem Burke of Blondie, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
"Great look, great sound, great album from one of my favorite drummers and company. If talent were the only requirement in this biz, The Handcuffs would be on top."
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From Cynthia Plaster Caster, artist/rock & roll legend:
"Sex and Violins and Rock 'n Roll...is very good indeed. Handcuffed to Brad and Chloe for eternity! I'm their eternal groupie slave--and they're my cup of tea!"
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By Ira Robbins, Editor in Chief of Trouser Press:
"Brad and Chloe blow off a lot of the froth in a tougher but no less melodic approach, with guitars that hit harder and beats that mean more business. Orwell smoothly shifts from the Cyndi Lauper-type character she conveyed in Big Hello* to a bold and brassy pre-hip-hop Gwen Stefani...upping the ante all around makes the progression work as a respectable bid for chart potential. The noirish 'Car Crash,' which begins the album, is a clear standout, as are 'Beg Me Beg Me,' the quiet-verse/big-chorused 'Love Me All the Way' and 'Peggy Moffitt,' an ode to the '60s Rudy Gernreich mannequin ('a model for a revolution') who graces the CD cover."

(editor's note - that would be us here at the 'Cuffs HQ: *Big Hello refers to Brad Elvis and Chloe F. Orwell's previous music group that could be considered the precursor to The Handcuffs.)
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By Marty Wombacher Time Out New York:
"The debut CD from The Handcuffs roared its way into my eardrums with a push-pull, slinky-kinky feel that will put you into a Pulp Fiction state of mind."
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By Jim Kopeny Chicagoist:
"Power-pop is one of those genres who's name seems to get thrown around a lot. As a result the phrase has lost a lot of its original meaning. The Handcuffs do their best to remedy that situation by adopting the power-pop mantle and then piping energy into their music until they induce aural hallucinations akin to a cascading fireworks display. After years of subtly shifting line-ups, the group, based around the core of singer Chloe F. Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis, have finally found what we believe is their strongest line-up to date. We saw them play a few weeks ago and were just blown away."

(editor's note: O.k., so we're not wild about the term "power pop," but we're not gonna' quibble since we happen to love this review.)
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From DJs Razor & Di of The Razor and Die Show on WLUW-RADIO in Chicago:
"We are crazy about your album. It's one of the best albums we've heard in a long time! It's THAT good!"
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By Robin Wills, PurePop U.K.:
"The Handcuffs stand proud above the stagnant molasses of today's emasculated scene. Think pop, think power with a sprinkling of updated garbage and glam. 'All Shine on' is possibly their most beautiful song and performance yet... 'Can't Get The Girl' would be a great single - fantastic production...'Peggy Moffitt' is really bouncy and gorgeous, like my favourite ladies...Great song, performance and production...'Sex and Violins' is clever and fun with its tongue planted firmly between two cheeks - Stradivarius positions indeed! Excellent! 'First Class Bossa Nova' Somehow reminds me of Indiscreet period Sparks. 'Beg Me Beg Me' is nice and sleazy, but as always FUN - real catchy chorus. 'Jet Baby' could be another real contender for single status...The album hit rate is really good, the performance and production are spot on. It's really great to have them back."
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By David Bash, Bucketfull of Brains, U.K.:
"On their debut disc, 'Model for a Revolution,' Orwell continues to forge her reputation as this generation's Debby Harry, singing every tune with guts and a brazen quality."
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By Mike Bennett, Fufkin.com:
"This is a terrific debut for The Handcuffs. It's great to have Brad and Chloe back, and this album shows that they have many avenues to explore, and more than enough talent to make it worth following along with them."
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From bassist Will Lee of the "Late Show with David Letterman" (the CBS Orchestra):
"I always have time for The Handcuffs, and you should, too."
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Music Editors' Review at download.com:
"Chicago lounge perverts the Handcuffs bring a slinky sensibility to the musty garage genre. If Portishead were raised on a diet of Count Chocula and JG Ballard novels, they would probably sound like this. Conversely, if Blondie were weaned on Portishead, the results would be similar. Either way, the Handcuffs keep it smooth and deviant."
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From Maureen Van Zandt, "Sopranos" star and stylist/choreographer for Little Steven's Underground Garage-a-Go-Go:
"Not only are Brad and Chloe two of the coolest people I know, but their music brings me back to my favorite place, the Swinging Sixties - yet still manages to sound completely modern and unquestionably hip."
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By Tim Cain, Entertainment Editor, the Herald & Review:
"The Handcuffs feature Brad Elvis, the coolest, showiest drummer you're ever going to see, and the gorgeous Chloe F. Orwell, whose voice will remind you of everyone while being unique to itself as well. There were a couple of times listening to the disc that I found myself laughing out loud with delight at what they were doing, and thinking, 'How is it possible that these guys can write SO MANY GOOD SONGS?' If I made my year-end list right now, this would be No. 3."
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By a free-lance writer named Mark, reviewing "Model for a Revolution" on our CD Baby page:
"Remember when Top 40 radio played great music of all styles? Experience great taste in music: The Handcuffs are a rock 'n' roll band from the old school, when guitars, drums, pianos, synths and a punky singer all came together in the loving service of a great hook. Model for a Revolution is packed with great hooks, snarling guitars, Keith Moon drums and Riot Gurl vocals with two tablespoons of attitude and one teaspoon of sugar. Piano-driven All Shine On will stay in your head for days, and that's a good thing. Don't Be Afraid adds a psychedelic spice to the exotica. Jet Baby's airborne rock resolves into an unforeseen power pop coda, the perfect ending to a CD of revolutionary surprises."

(editor's note: Quick, somebody hire this guy! Sure, we happen to love the review - but you gotta' admit, Mark here has a wonderful way with words. Rolling Stone? Mojo? Spin? C'mon people!)
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By a mysterious critic called "The Keester:"
"A great listen that fuses elements of various musical styles into a terrific album of modern rock. From the vibes in "Car Crash" to the flanged low-end keyboards in "Peggy Moffitt" (the namesake tune of the CD's cover model), the entire album stands as an awesome work by folks who really understand how to make great music."
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By Steve Forstneger, the Illinois Entertainer (from a review of The Coral show in Chicago):
"Brad Elvis' latest project, The Handcuffs, opened. Chloe F. Orwell is a firecracker lead singer whose rockin' sincerity can be a little amusing, but for the most part she gave the quartet's garage rock a sexy spark."
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By Molly's blog/web zine, a mysterious British lass with good taste in music:
"The Handcuffs: The darker, more rock 'n' roll side of Big Hello.* 'Jet Baby' is so damn catchy it's never going to get out of your head - ever. You'll wake in the night singing the lyrics, and people who've never heard of the band will find themselves wandering around humming the tune just 'cause they stood next to you in the supermarket queue... but thankfully it's fantastic enough not to drive you completely insane. My personal favourite would have to be 'Slut Machine' 'cause the lyrics are absolutely 'classic' to the point where I'm giggling with delight, and they're wrapped round a lovely, bouncy, out there tune with tons of drums and great guitar work."

(editor's note: *Again, Big Hello refers to Brad Elvis and Chloe F. Orwell's previous music group that could be considered the precursor to The Handcuffs.)
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Mail from a 16-year old fan named Chris:
"I listened to some of your stuff and it sounds Badd Ass! My favorite is 'Mickey 66,' it has every quality of a hit cut! I can so imagine that on the radio. Your style is so fresh, hip, and edgy! I am into urban music like hip-hop and reggae but I can't help nodding my head to the beat of your music. It is really hott and deserves all the acclaim I'm sure it will receive! You Guys ROCK...literally!!!!"
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Mail from a new Wisconsin fan named Joe, who utilizes an impressive vocabulary:
"I saw you at Metrojam in Manitowoc, and your performance was great. Brad (the drummer) is better than some of the drummers in high-profile bands. One of the very famous drummers of a major rock band is moribund compared to your drummer. Great show."

(editor's note: Um, by the way, "moribund" means "being in a dying condition." We had to look it up in our Funk & Wagnalls, too).