Yankee Hotel Voxtrot

Fact: I will not be talking about Wilco today, despite the deceiving title.

After releasing critically-acclaimed EPs, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives and Your Biggest Fan, Voxtrot had big expectations to fulfill. I had taken Voxtrot's previous efforts as better than average--it wasn't necessarily that I was impressed so much by their EPs, but more so of what I thought they were capable of doing. And with the first proper LP, Voxtrot, I am duly impressed. Voxtrot is slightly more produced than their previous work, which suits well their rather clean sound. It's a lot easier to hear the different elements of each song from this burgeoning quintet. Voxtrot has got that sensitive indie rock feel to them, but with a good deal of edge that allows them to make catchy, infectious pop songs.

Comparisons have been made to Belle and Sebastian, and this seems logical on songs like "Kid Gloves". But the record seems to be slightly more story-like, with lyrics written like any good novel--an introduction, a plot, and a resolution. Beginning with the words 'Open your eyes, and stretch your hands', "Introduction" slowly builds into a string-filled rock song, that leads beautifully into the high-charged "Kid Gloves" and seagull-like "Ghost". The album then slows down a little bit to make room for the lighter "Stephen" and "Future, Pt. 1". By the time the last track "Blood Red Blood" comes through, the album takes on this completeness that would make any author (or listener) proud.

So go and get Voxtrot.
Listen to "Introduction" (4.8/5)
Listen to "Ghost" (4.9/5)
P.S. Happy Birthday Stephen!!