Strange Boutique – Let The Lonely Heart Sing (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – BoutiqueThings / The Circle Music)
Originating from Washington, DC (USA), Strange Boutique was primarily active during the 90s, releasing a number of noteworthy productions. After that period, they vanished from the radar—until the past few years, when they re-emerged with new material.
Their latest work, “Let The Lonely Heart Sing”, is a graceful Dream-Pop production where floating, melancholic guitar lines and angelic vocals blend into an artistic whole. The elegance of the music is at times elevated by the inclusion of violin and cello sounds, resulting in a series of beautiful, contemplative songs.
Of course, special mention must be made of the vocalist—and rightly so, as none other than Monica Richards (Faith & the Muse) takes the lead here. With her immense talent, rich experience, and the subtle fragility she infuses into her performance, she truly brings the music to life.
The album contains only eight tracks, but each one is a refined delight for the ears. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Under Surface”:
Read the news on ‘Let The Lonely Heart Sing’.
About Strange Boutique
Strange Boutique emerged from Washington, D.C.’s goth and post-punk scene in 1987, and remained active until a farewell performance at the original Black Cat in November 1993. The lineup featured Monica Richards on vocals, Fred “Freak” Smith on guitar, Steve Willett on bass, and drummers Danny Ingram (1987-1991) followed by Rand Blackwell (1991-1994). Their discography includes three albums: “The Loved One” (1991), “Charm” (1993), and “The Kindest Worlds” (1994).
Following the band’s dissolution, members pursued other projects: Monica Richards co-founded Faith and the Muse, Fred Smith joined Blaxmyth, and Steve Willett became part of the D.C. guitar ensemble Tone. The death of Fred “Freak” Smith in 2017 brought the remaining members back together for a sold-out tribute show at the Black Cat in June 2019, with guitarist Dennis Kane, a protégé of Smith’s, stepping in. A one-off reunion performance followed at The Black Cat, coinciding with the release of the compilation “The Collection: 1988-1994” on Metropolis Records.
Strange Boutique previously released the tracks “The Night Birds” and “Jet Stream” ahead of “Let The Lonely Heart Sing”, released June 10, 2025 via The Circle Music and Boutique Things, the band’s first album in 31 years.
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