“The long-lost Empire Records soundtrack”
Roxy Swain’s new LP is like a great big stew of Big Star, Fleetwood Mac and Rilo Kiley. The Chicago natives open up Side One with the killer lead-off track “Tonight,” featuring rollicking, jangly guitars and big ’70s pop choruses. The next few songs play out like California sunshine – ironic since the band is from the Midwest.
Things slow down a bit on the haunting ballad “Tidal Wave Away,” and the rest of Side Two is a little more subdued than its flipside. That’s not a knock; in fact the change of pace allows the tracks to more slowly envelope you. Any of these songs would have fit perfectly in an Empire Records montage: think ‘90s alternative at its peak.
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Nearing an end with the superb male/female duet “Audience with a Queen,” Restless Hearts is a great return to form for Roxy Swain, as well as their label Spade Kitty (releasing their first vinyl in almost two decades). Highly Recommended.
Restless Hearts
Chicago, IL
(Spade Kitty Records)Produced by Chuck Harling
Engineered & Mixed by Jeffrey Altergott at Bearhaus
Mastered by Mike Hagler at Kingsize Sound Labs
Size: 12-inch
Speed: 33 1/3 rpm
Color: Translucent Orange Vinyl
Limited Edition: 500 Units
www.roxyswain.com