Led by celebrated drummer Brad Elvis (formerly of Screams, The Elvis Brothers, The Romantics, Big Hello) and vocalist/rhythm guitarist/sax Chloe F. Orwell (Big Hello), Chicago’s The Handcuffs explore broad sonic territory with powerful analog-style rock & roll, infusing elements of glam, blues, indie, and garage.
The Handcuffs inhabit some of the same musical domain as Mott the Hoople, David Bowie, Queens of the Stone Age, Patti Smith Group, Led Zeppelin and Roxy Music – all filtered through a modern lens – and deliver bold, sexy songs with memorable melodies and unexpected twists.
Known as much for their dynamic live shows as for being prolific writers and producers, their songs have been featured in dozens of films and television shows. They have released four critically acclaimed albums, a special Record Store Day “best of” on cassette, and are currently working on their fifth album for Pravda Records (also the home of their fourth release, Burn the Rails).
Thursday, June 25, Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage schedule and line-up:
School of Rock (noon)
Robert Randolph & The Family Band (4:30PM)
The Handcuffs (6:15PM)
Sincere Engineer (8PM)
Kim Gordon (ex-Sonic Youth) (10PM)
“The Handcuffs are one of the few bands capable of effectively combining the spontaneity and musicianship of glam/punk with the urgency and rough-edged sound of garage rock,” says Jersey Beat’s Phil Rainone.
“There’s a sexy, swaggering street vibe throughout,” added Musoscribe’s Bill Kopp, and the Chicago Sun-Times exclaims that The Handcuffs are simply “effervescent.”
Completing The Handcuffs lineup are bassist Emily Togni, keyboardist Carolyn Engelmann, and lead guitarist Jeffrey Kmieciak, all talented veterans of the Chicago and national music scene.
