Ethica

Finally following up their 2004 debut, the elegantly rocking young locals in Unique Chique are hinting at great things to come on their latest EP. Tightening up the songwriting and honing a newfound sense of subtlety, they’re building on a solid foundation of good ol’ Midwestern indie rock and the artier sounds of Radiohead and the Sea and Cake. Able to plumb the depths of angst and heartbreak without any emo whining, vocalist Joe Starita evokes a much less grating Bono, with an expressively yearning tenor that never breaks into those awkward falsetto histrionics. Guitarist Mike Sanfilipp did an ace job recording the sessions, layering on some sublime strings and ambience, without ever distracting from the driving rhythms and gorgeously spiraling guitar arpeggios.--Ben Taylor-Time Out Chicago