Voxtrot’s “Dreamers in Exile” Recognized as Cult Hero by The Big Takeover

After nearly two decades of anticipation, Voxtrot has finally treated fans to their long-awaited second full-length album, “Dreamers in Exile.” The band, known for their stellar live performances after reuniting a few years ago, has been steadily releasing a string of singles from 2023 to 2025, with many earning spots on Jack Rabid’s best-of-the-year lists.

The album sees all the original members coming together, harking back to their first EP over 20 years ago. Ramesh Srivastava (vocals, guitar, piano, organ, synthesizers, harpsichord, vibraphone, percussion), Jason Chronis (bass, guitar, organ, synthesizers, omnichord, percussion), Matt Simon (drums, percussion), Mitch Calvert (guitar), and Jared Van Fleet (piano, keyboards, synthesizer, guitar) have crafted a cohesive record. The band produced the album themselves, with Jason handling the recording at Haunted Air in Lockhart, TX.

The album title, “Dreamers in Exile,” captures a blend of optimism and darkness that Voxtrot excels at. The acronym “DiE” conveys this duality, hinting at the band’s signature bittersweet wordplay, a hallmark of Ramesh’s songwriting.

Starting with the vibrant lead track “Another Fire,” the album kicks off with gusto. The funky rhythm propels the song forward, culminating in an uplifting chorus that soars. Following is the sleek “Fighting Back,” the most recent single that encapsulates the album’s essence, setting a Hollywood-inspired scene.

Spread across 11 tracks, the album strategically intersperses the previously released singles, showcasing the band’s evolution over several years. While some may question this approach, Voxtrot seamlessly weaves these songs into a cohesive narrative, showcasing their consistent songwriting and arrangements. The band fully embraces and explores their sonic landscape with a rich and calculated approach.

Among the standout tracks, the title song “Dreamers in Exile” packs a punch with its bold drumming. “Change” and “Rock & Roll Jesus” offer a glimpse of Voxtrot’s earlier sound, with the latter stepping slightly outside their usual formula with a rock-infused arrangement. On the more introspective side, “Quiet Noise” showcases Ramesh’s fragile vocals, tugging at heartstrings with poignant lyrics. The album culminates with the ethereal “Babylone,” a grandiose, Baroque-inflected piece that beautifully ties up the record.

“Dreamers in Exile” by Voxtrot is a testament to the band’s enduring artistry and evolution. With a blend of familiar and fresh sounds, Voxtrot delivers a thoughtful and resonant album that is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.