Michelles is a band out of Chicago, playing what has been variously called psych-pop, baroque-pop, art rock, and other misleading hyphenated genres, all of which fall under the general category of semi-radio friendly rock music with guitars and keyboards, with singing and verses and choruses, some catchier than others.  It is the project of Chicago musician Michael Daly, which by current count has gone through four bass players, two guitar players, and one short lived background singer and tambourine player. The only consistent cohort had been drummer Ryan Farnham, who provided drums on three full-length records; Michelles (2013), Dark as a Daisy (2017), and The Empty Promises of Rock and Roll, which was released to critical acclaim in March 2022.  Farnham departed shortly after that album’s release.

An as of yet untitled new album is currently in production, scheduled for release in 2026.

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“The Empty Promises of Rock and Roll reminds you of what record albums are capable of being: complete, coherent artistic statements that take you on a journey that’s somehow both carefully mapped and thrillingly uncharted.” — New City

“I’m not always one to make comparisons, but hearing this song [Illusions], I can’t help but think of it as pairing MGMT’s psychedelia perfectly with The Smiths’ raw candor and heart-on-sleeve sincerity.”      —Atwood Magazine

“[Michelles’] new single “All Is Forgiven” sounds like a mustier and more ambitious version of Smith Westerns, with an injection of swirling psychedelia in the keyboard usage and prog-rock in the revolving structure. Off the project’s upcoming, long-awaited new album, it’s a mightily impressive track that suggests this release is well worth anticipating. Think Suede crossed with Smith Westerns.” —Obscure Sound