We’ve all waited a long time for this day. After 19 years, Voxtrot has released its second full-length, ”Dreamers in Exile”. Fortunately for fans, the band hasn’t starved us by any means. Reuniting several years back to play live, they started writing new music, and we’ve been sated with five outstanding singles released from 2023-25, several of which making Jack Rabid’s best-of-the-year lists.
The album features Ramesh’s long-time bandmates; Jason Chronis (bass, guitar, organ, synthesizers, omnichord, percussion), Matt Simon (drums, percussion), Mitch Calvert (guitar), and Jared Van Fleet (piano, keyboards, synthesizer, guitar). It was produced by the band and recorded by Jason at Haunted Air in Lockhart, TX.
Leave it to Voxtrot to smartly devise an album title, ”Dreamers in Exile”, that evokes optimism and darkness simultaneously. If listeners are uncertain how the band’s vision netted out, consider the bleak shorthand acronym, “DiE”. This was likely intentional, since bittersweet wordplay is a key strength of frontman Ramesh Srivastava (vocals, guitar, piano, organ, synthesizers, harpsichord, vibraphone, percussion).
Lead track, “Another Fire” appropriately kicks things off. The glowing first single from Voxtrot 2.0 goes back to September ’23. The funky rhythm makes verses chug and churn. Piano cycles through and bass pumps until the uplifting chorus takes the song airborne.
Track two is the most recent single, “Fighting Back”. Released at the tail end of ’25, it epitomizes the sophomore LP’s strength. Its cool feel fits perfectly with the lyrics which set the scene in Hollywood.
The 11-track LP features all five previously-released songs scattered throughout. For some music fans it may seem an odd decision, relying so heavily on prior releases, particularly since the songwriting spans several years. But honestly it works out just fine. The writing is consistent, as are the arrangements, so DiE doesn’t read like a copy-and-paste hodgepodge. Voxtrot has landed on a rich and calculated sonic equation and have exploited it proudly.
The title track is a standout that will be new to fans listening to DiE. Punchy drums give the song a edge. “Change” is another track with some bite, teasing a bit of the sound that Voxtrot made their own on early EPs. “Rock & Roll Jesus” is the hardest of these three songs. It steps the most outside the primary Voxtrot formula but its rocky arrangement is welcome rather than an overt left turn.
On the hushed side – where the band often excel and pulls heartstrings – “Quiet Noise” is notable. Ramesh’s vocals are fragile on this slowed-down gem. He forlornly sings “…we’re nothing but good friends. Lovers from the past, I’m still here looking backwards.” The crystalline closer, “Babylone”, is an orchestral, Baroque triumph. It’s a perfect end to a thoughtful, resonant album.
Links
