Strange Boutique

Original riot grrl Monica Richards had made a name for herself in various D.C. hardcore punk bands, most notably Madhouse. By the mid-eighties, Richards and her bandmates looked to switch things up. In 1987, she, drummer Daniel Ingram, ex-Eubie Hayve bassist Steve Willett and Beefeater guitarist Fred Smith defined the ethereal, lush sounds of Strange Boutique. Their first EP Easter Island appeared in 1989, showcasing a vocally angelic Richards as Kate Bush's kindred vocal twin. Tours around the East Coast pushed Strange Boutique to the front and a national fanbase would soon follow. Killing Joke took the band on the road in 1990 for added exposure, allowing the members of Strange Boutique to perform in England for the very first time. Later that summer, Strange Boutique ventured across America, leaving their coveted D.C. area for shows in the South. An appearance at South By Southwest also proved pivotal, for the college market took notice and began supporting Strange Boutique. It was during this time that the band established their own label, Bedazzled Records. Strange Boutique appeared to have the world at their feet, however preparing for their studio full-length was a bit trying. Upon the release of The Loved One in fall 1991, Ingram left the band. He went on to join Swervedriver for their 1992 world tour and newcomer Rand Blackwell stepped in to replace him. In November 1992, the group was back in the studio to record a follow-up. Space-rock and dream-pop threads captured the beauty of 1993's The Charm, but tours with goth glam dolls Switchblade Symphony and This Ascension didn't fare as well. Strange Boutique had a national fanbase and critical acclaim, but difference in creativity were culprit. Tensions within the band were brewing, too. Constant touring and...