The Handcuffs –

Though not a fan of Gossip Girl myself (or at least I assume I wouldn’t be, I’ve never seen it), I was intrigued by The Handcuffs bragging on their website that one of their songs had appeared on the season finale. Nothing about the indie rock I heard on their myspace made me think of spoiled Upper East Side teenagers, but what do I know?

As The Handcuffs readied for their set at the Double Door in Wicker Park, lead singer Chloe Orwell passed the mic to an older gentleman, introducing him as the rock ‘n roll poet of Chicago. I can’t say I knew who this guy was, but I think it’s safe to say that the rock ‘n roll poet did not have a cameo on Gossip Girl.

Finally starting the show with “First Class Bossa Nova,” The Handcuffs put on a show that would easily have filled the cavernous space, even if there had been more than a few dozen people in it. There were a few genuine fans tapping and mouthing along to the set, but most people stood still, quietly watching the show.

And it was quite a show to watch. Orwell has clearly been studying at the Karen O school of stage presence, but it worked, and was a necessary dose of energy in the foursome. The guitarist and bassist were mostly stagnant throughout the show, moving only when necessary to get to a mic or step up for a solo. Though all the way behind his drums, Brad Elvis was doing his best to entertain with his antics and impressive playing. When the crowded stage allowed a view of him, he seemed to be doing quite well at it.

Halfway through the set, Orwell took a rare moment for between song banter, which I’m normally a fan of. The moments in between the songs are when you get a sense of the band as actual people and it can be fascinating to see who is the funny one, who takes the lead, etc. That particular night, the audience got to hear a bit about Chloe’s support for gay marriage. Duly noted.

Overall, the set was fun and lively. I enjoyed the music, though I think The Handcuffs could do to pump up the guitar just a bit. For all the attention given throughout the frequent solos, guitarist Ellis Clark wasn’t playing much that was worth the spotlight. To be sure, Clark was perfectly capable, but the material didn’t seem to demand much from him.

I can’t say that The Handcuffs will inspire me to catch up with my friends on the CW, but I’ll be back to check out their next show. And that’s probably better for them, anyway.

By Jesy: who has officially decided that 8 cups of coffee is far too much for one day.

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