Strange Boutique ends 31-year recording silence with Let the Lonely Heart Sing
Strange Boutique will release a new studio album titled “Let the Lonely Heart Sing” on 10 June 2025 through The Circle Music (Athens, Greece) and Boutique Things. This marks the first full-length release by the Washington DC-based band in over three decades. A release show is scheduled for 12 July 2025 at Black Cat, a venue located in Washington, DC.
Artist: Strange Boutique
Release Date: 2025-06-10
Genres: Darkwave, Gothic Rock, Post-punk
Label: The Circle Music
Description: Strange Boutique returns with Let the Lonely Heart Sing on 10 June via The Circle Music featuring Radium Kiss and a show at Black Cat DC on 12 July.
The new track “Radium Kiss”, available exclusively as a video, has been released in advance of the album. The artwork for Let the Lonely Heart Sing features a cicada, which, according to Monica Richards, was chosen for its association with the band’s local geography and its symbolism. Richards stated that she designed the cover herself, describing the cicada as emblematic of cycles of reappearance and change, particularly meaningful in the context of the band’s return. The cicada also references the seasonal presence of the insect in Washington DC, especially the 17-year cicada cycles, which she recalled as a strong memory from the band’s earlier period.
The album will be issued in several formats, including Transparent Marbled Turquoise & Black Vinyl with printed inner sleeve, Splatter Purple & Black Vinyl with printed inner sleeve, Digipack CD with booklet, and digital download. Pre-orders are available at: https://thecirclemusic.gr/product-category/distributed-stuff/?filter_artist-name=strange-boutique
Strange Boutique was originally active between 1987 and 1993, during which time they were part of the underground goth/rock and post-punk scene. The band released three studio albums: The Loved One (1991), Charm (1993), and The Kindest Worlds (1994). One of their tracks, “Drown”, from The Loved One, has reached over 7 million streams on Spotify, with more than 10 million plays across all platforms.
The group disbanded in 1993 following their final concert at the original Black Cat in Washington DC. Following the death of original guitarist Fred “Freak” Smith in 2017, Monica Richards and Steve Willett reunited for a sold-out tribute show at the Black Cat in 2019. Guitarist Dennis Kane, a former student of Smith’s, joined the lineup. The concert led to renewed collaboration among the band members and the eventual production of the upcoming album.
“Let the Lonely Heart Sing” includes original material described as rooted in themes of personal loss and memory. Guitarist Dennis Kane composed the final track on the album and contributed his guitar work throughout. The release also features a live string quartet on three tracks. The creative direction was primarily led by bassist Steve Willett.
Additional recent tracks by Strange Boutique include “The Night Birds” and “Jet Stream”.
Monica Richards is an American vocalist, composer, and visual artist. In addition to her role in Strange Boutique, she was part of the goth/alternative project Faith and the Muse, formed in 1993 with William Faith. She has released solo material, including InfraWarrior (2007), Naiades (2012), and Kindred (2013). Richards has also been involved in visual arts and design, contributing illustrations and artwork for various musical and artistic projects. She has a background in literature and art history, having studied at American University in Washington DC. Her work often draws upon themes from mythology, history, and environmental issues.
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