Chicago newcomers Roxy Swain are proud to release their debut "New Love Designers" on local indie-rock institution Spade Kitty Records on August 20th, 2009. Although Roxy Swain has just a little over a year under its belt, their roots run much deeper within the vibrant Chicago music community. Songwriter/guitarist Tom Valenzano has almost 20 years of experience in various roles, most notably as a sideman with Ellen Rosner in the early 00s, and more recently as a frontman for power pop trio Loomis. Songwriter/guitarist Matt Walters has cut his teeth in a laundry list of critically-acclaimed bands throughout this decade, including tickling the keys for the Red Plastic Buddha, manning lead guitar for Trakan and fronting the Three Fifths. The two guitarists joined forces in June 2008 with songwriter/vocalist Rachel "Roxy" Swain, and the three formative members quickly decided on a common goal - to build on the common songwriting strengths of Walters' and Valenzano's most recent power-pop and retro-rock groups by placing an additional emphasis on the lead vocal strengths of the up-and-coming frontwoman Swain. Alex Karan (drums, vocals) and Melissa Kempfer (bass, vocals) were quickly drafted from Valenzano's Loomis outfit, and the band was born. The quintet played a handful of initial shows as test balloon for their brand new set of 10 songs, and afterwards immediately booked time at Mike Hagler's acclaimed Kingsize Sound Labs. "New Love Designers" represents the first fruits of their labor - a four song set that comprehensively represents the scope, talent and promise of the band. "Without Without" and "Linda" feature chiming, melodic, intricate guitar arrangements, dynamic swells, and the clear, distinct lead vocals of Swain. "Duo Jet" and "Spread Eagle" feature more acoustic and progressive influences, respectively, and contrasts the more textured and distinctive vocal approach that Valenzano provides to the band. The live band, now augmented by the addition of new drummer Chuck Harling (Ellen Rosner), is set to embark on a short regional tour this fall in support of the release, and plans on making several live appearances all over the Chicagoland area in the meantime. In addition, a second EP of six songs is in the can and set for a November release, under the working title "Suicide Moths.”