www.myspace.com/uniquechique
Taking their moniker after misunderstanding the nickname of an otherwise anonymous, amazing, homeless street prophet, Chicago's Unique Chique have been bound to composing and performing provocative and cunning music since their inception in 2000.
Between the bands debut full-length, “It Never Fails Forever,” in 2005 and it's recently released, “Ethica,” Unique Chique have become renowned for their infectious, high-art, precise live shows and their rich, visceral, complex and thought provoking recordings.
Unique Chique's latest release, “Ethica,” recorded by guitarist Mike Sanfiliop, is the next logical step for a band always pushing to the boundaries of creativity. The familiar elements of U/C's past offerings are present, but only as a character in a larger, more encompassing story. “
Ethica” is , by and large, more powerful, haunting, hopeful, anxious and serene that any of U/C's previous recordings.
The band is aesthetically interested in diverse groups and artists who are popular, yet distinctive: Sonic Youth, Pixies, Joan Of Arc, Bjork, Aloha, Sea and Cake, Tortise, Beach Boys, Blond Redhead, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, etc.
Unique Chique have played every great venue in the Chicago area: Empty Bottle, Fireside, Metro, Schubas, Subterranean, Double Door, Beat Kitchen, etc. Regional touring gave way to the real thing and the band headed east to play the 2005 CMJ music festival in NYC, later returning for a proper East coast tour, which was surprisingly successful for a first tour. The band is now tour addicted and heading out for more of the same in the coming months. Along the way they have shared stages and hi jinx with a multitude of amazing bands: Ex-Models, Aloha, City On Film, Del Ray, The Reputation, Colossus, The Grates, Pattern In Movement, Bound Stems, Francois And The Missing Mountains, Jeff Pazatti and much, much more
Unique Chique is:
Joe Starita: Vocals/Guitar
Mike SanFilip: Guitar/Vocals
Ernie Lohrer: Bass
Paul Szlachta: Drums
Unique Chique finds melody in chaos, sometimes very lovely and at other times a jangly mess. -New City (Chicago)
Unique Chique integrates myriad influences to construct an intricate, harmonizing musical atmosphere. -City Beat (Cincinnati)
Their indie soft rock is all jazzy chords, twinkling arpeggios, and rapturous vocal harmonies. -Chicago Reader
I find myself really liking Unique Chique. Their mellow, jazzy, intelligent songs have a kind of turn of the century indie/emo sound to them.-www.lostastsea.net
Unique Chique's focus is more often than not on their lush, and often disjointed and complex melodies. It's a dichotomy that works. In fact, it's an effort that makes for one of the more pleasant recent surprises. -Wonka Vision Magazine
The songs follow a conventional indie-rock vibe, but stand out when they break into atmospheric wonders, tranquil ambience and unique experimentation-Illinois Entertainer
The word "love" is coming to mind, as in "I'm in love with this record."-Becky Schalk/WNHU/New Haven Univeristy
Unique Chique is creating original music with more power than you may originally give it credit. -No One Is Awake
UNIQUE CHIQUE are a promising young group from Chicago that blend elements of bands like SEA AND CAKE and THE SMITHS with the post-punk sensibilities of JAWBOX.-Reckless Records
Unique Chique are hinting at great things to come.-Time Out Chicago
The New Soul Music.-UR Chicago
It’s a powerful album from an even more powerful band.-Amp Camp
Think Jeff Buckly singing for the Sea And Cake. Yeah, It's that good!-Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes, City On Film). programs such as, WLUW's Radio One and WHPK's Pure Hype. Along the way Unique Chique has gained the respect and admiration of fellow musicians such as: Rainer Maria, Colossal and Bob Nanna.
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