Voxtrot

 Austin, Texas’ Voxtrot have built up a loyal following with a strategic regimen of notable live performances (playing well-attended industry showcases from SXSW in Austin to the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago and opening for the Shins at the NME Awards in London), internet savvy, word-of-mouth praise, magazine kudos, a limited recorded output (only two hard to find 7 inch singles and three EPs before this debut album) and a smart attempt at reigning in the quality control. The group recorded their debut album with Australian producer Victor Van Vugt (Nick Cave, PJ Harvey) and immediately seized on the upgrade in sound to make a lush, dramatic album underscored by strings, strongly present keyboards (“Easy”) and beats that bridge the group’s thornier punk roots with their passion for ‘80s-styled new wave dancefloor neurotics. Though they begin with a gentle send-off (“Introduction”), the quintet presses the accelerator where they settle for a good cruising position (“Steven,” “Firecracker,” “Brother in Conflict”).