[3.5/5] Majestic Austin, Texas, indie-shufflers Voxtrot became blog darlings in the past few years based on the strength of several tantalizing EPs, and they mostly manage to live up to the internet buzz on their self-titled full-length debut. The band maintain their dedication to literate lyrics and dainty pop songs that are well-suited for dancing and daydreaming, like the shimmy-shimmy-shake Britpop rave-up "Kid Gloves" or the fantastic hip-shaker "Brother In Conflict," where vocalist Ramesh Srivastava emotes exactly like Ted Leo doing karaoke to the Smiths. Voxtrot's biggest fault is that at times its understated strings, burbling keyboards and retro-fitted guitars sound almost too pretty and distant, like a manicured lawn one is afraid to step on-in particular, bland story-song "Steven." Either way, fans of Arcade Fire, Go-Betweens and starry-eyed romantics will find much to love in Voxtrot. (PLAYLOUDERECORDINGS/BEGGARS GROUP) Annie Zaleski
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