Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives

On Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives, Austin, TX's indie pop hopefuls Voxtrot follow up their promising debut EP with a tougher, more dramatic sound that pushes them further away from their original influences. There are louder guitars on the EP, more impassioned vocals, and more shifts in dynamics and tone. The title track sets the stage right away with reverbed guitars reeling wildly around Ramesh Srivastava's forceful vocals; "Fast Asleep" follows with spiky guitars, blaring horns, and a rock-hard chorus. Indeed, it seems that the band has shifted allegiances from U.K. indie pop to D.C. punk-pop, specifically Ted Leo. As on the band's first EP, the influences are jumping-off points rather than blueprints to follow, and Voxtrot play with enough passion and energy to make it their own. The EP will only be a disappointment to fans who wanted another indie pop confection; those who can follow along with the band's shift will be pleased by the sprightly sound and first-rate indie rock songcraft. Still a band to pin hopes on, Voxtrot have a chance to develop into a truly interesting group. This EP is a solid step in that direction.