Music Reviews: The Handcuffs - "Waiting For The Robot"

It seems to happen more often than not. Retro becomes hip and is back in style again. It doesn't matter if it's fashion, TV or music. What's old is somehow new again. And nowhere is it more apparent than on the latest album by Chicago's own The Handcuffs. Their new album Waiting For The Robot is retro chic in the highest order.

The album kicks off with the Blondie style "Dirty Glitter". It's definitely a booty shaker tour de force. It's infectious with it's synth and drum beats mixed in with catchy guitar riffs and wonderful vocals by Chloe F. Orwell. This song truly is one of the best tracks on the album. What a way to get things started.

The album doesn't stick to one particular formula. Sure, it's retro in style and sound. But it's the smorgasbord of styles that'll keep you waiting to see what's coming next. Another cool stand out track is "Ohh Baby Baby" with it's funky bass lines and killer horn section, this is a fun energetic track. It's always a blast to hear lyrics like "Dirty glitter twitter talker lover divine. I know you gotta leave but don't give me that line." over killer music played by talented musicians.

"Eight Down" starts out as a nice piano/acoustic style balled, then quickly takes a right turn later on with heavy guitars and drums and strong aggressive vocals. It caught me off guard, that's for sure. But in a GOOD way. Surprises are a good thing in music. It keeps things exciting.

The band, singer/guitarist Orwell and drummer Brad Elvis, along with guitarist Ellis Clark, bassist Emily Togni and piano player Alison Hinderliter, make this a must have for anyone craving the funky 70's, post punk 80's, new wave, or just good fun music to shake what your momma gave you to.

"Baby I Love You" may be my favorite track on the album with Chloe and Brad dueting on this rocker that features a great guitar sound, rolling drum pattern and even maracas. I'm a sucker for maracas in rock songs dating back to "Sympathy For The Devil" by the Stones. 

The kiss off to end all kiss off's is in the song "I'm So Happy That You're Out Of My Life". A fuck off song has never sounded so catchy and funny! Whoever this person is, they made for a great song. From the thumping piano and drums, to Chloe’s vocals, "all I can say is WHOO!"

 The album comes to an end with a beautiful balled called "The Scary Side Of Me". It's a song we can all relate to. We all have the dark side that we try to keep in check and not let our loved ones see. "Love, a word we need to use. Hate, a word we need to lose." SO true!

If you have an open mind for music and have an ear for pop ear candy, you'll find a lot to like or just plain love about this album. It has a little something for everyone. Waiting For The Robot is a fun record worth checking out.

Track Listing:
1. Dirty Glitter
2. Miss You On Tuesday
3. Come On Venus
4. Ooh Baby Baby
5. Eight Down
6. Kiss This Goodbye
7. Baby I Love You
8. Vinyl Isabella
9. Everybody Waves Hello
10. Take a Picture
11. I'm So Happy that You're Out of My Life
12. This is a Test
13. The Scary Side of Me

4 / 5 stars