Model for a Revolution by The Handcuffs

Their potent creative chemistry quickly earned the duo a worldwide fan base plus accolades in mainstream and alternative publications throughout the world, including the Los Angeles Times, LA Weekly, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Columbus Dispatch, The Big Takeover, Punk Planet, Amplifier, Sound Affects (Sweden), Jem (Japan), Mojo (U.K), Bucketfull of Brains (U.K.) and countless others.

The Handcuffs evolved from Brad and Chloe's desire to explore a broader sonic territory, while still believing in the power of a great radio hook. Their influences range from Sparks to Bowie, Eno to Beck, PJ Harvey to Iggy Pop, Zeppelin to Queens of the Stone Age, with some Blur, Blondie and Bacharach tossed in for good measure. Their songs are fresh yet timeless; edgy yet accessible, skillfully crafted yet easily memorable.

The duo started out making boombox demos with Chloe on guitar or bass and Brad often singing the lead vocals and keeping time on a cardboard box or whatever was handy. Proper studio sessions, with the help of additional guest instrumentalists, followed and The Handcuffs recorded more than three albums worth of material with engineer/producer Mike Hagler (Neko Case, Wilco, the Pulsars, the Mekons). Then came song placement in hit television shows and films, followed by a self-produced music video (with more on the way), all of which seemed to help get the buzz in motion - not only in Chicago, but in other parts of the country, as well. With plans to release their debut CD, "Model for a Revolution," they finally decided to put a live band together.

To complete their line-up, Brad and Chloe have recently welcomed two powerhouse musicians to help them deliver the rock. Enter guitarist Lennie Dietsch, who came to Chicago from Alaska via Los Angeles, and bassist Emily Togni, a Tennessee-by-way-of-Arkansas native. Both Lennie and Emily contribute to the mix with spot on backing vocals (and a musical open-mindedness that is vital to The Handcuffs' sound and vision).

The Handcuffs' songs have received airplay on the legendary KROQ radio station in Los Angeles and have been placed in films and television shows, including MTV's Laguna Beach, The Hills, and 8th & Ocean and A&E's documentary-style series Rollergirls. Handcuffs music is also also featured on the soundtrack of the Sundance and SXSW award winning (and winner of numerous film festival awards throughout the country) documentary The Education of Shelby Knox, which spent a few weeks airing on PBS's prestigious P.O.V. documentary program.

The Handcuffs' goals for the future: keep writing, keep recording, keep evolving..

Praise for The Handcuffs:

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."

From Tim Cain, Entertainment Editor at 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."

For more information, more sound clips, videos, photos and a whole bunch of crap, visit The Handcuffs on line at: www.thehandcuffs.com

Average Customer Review: