Biography
Strange Boutique was formed in after the breakup of frontwoman Monica Richards' Washington DC punk band Madhouse. She co-founded Strange Boutique with ex-Madhouse drummer Danny Ingram in 1987 along with the Bedazzled label to take her music in a new direction. The band debuted with The Easter Island EP [later added to the CD version of The Kindest Worlds) which appropriately had a very post-punk sound. In the next 6 years Strange Boutique released three more albums. Charm, The Loved One and The Kindest Worlds.
Other band members were (ex-Beefeater) Frederick E. "Freak" Smith, Jr on guitars, Steve Willett on bass, and Dan Ingram on drums. The lineup changed only slightly when Dan Ingram left shortly after the release of The Loved One to tour with Swervedriver and was replaced by Rand Blackwell.
Strange Boutique's sound is crafted from a fusion of influences from shoegaze, gothic rock and ethereal music. It is difficult to compare them to another band as their sound is very unique. Musically they sometimes bring to mind early Curve with a similar "shimmering wall of sound" style. However, Monica's powerful and unique vocal style and heartfelt and poetic lyrics really help to make the band unique.
While never enjoying much commercial success Strange Boutique built up a very loyal fan base and gained the reputation as an excellent live band.
Strange Boutique broke up in 1993, allowing Monica to move to Los Angeles and co-found the band Faith and the Muse.
http://www.mercyground.com/StrangeBoutique/
http://www.myspace.com/strangeboutique
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