Disappointly generic.
Voxtrot have a name that sounds, to this reviewer at least, European; but in fact they hail from Austin, Texas, USA and their indie pop sound is certainly more akin to North American acts such as The Killers, The National and even The Arcade Fire than conventional Britpop. Nevertheless this release will no doubt be lapped up by indie fans from everywhere, following up as it does the band's well-received self-titled album release of earlier this year.
'Firecracker' tries to muscle in on the big sing-a-long indie anthems of bands such as The Killers and The Vines, and just about manages it. The fuzzy guitars, quiet-loud sections and theatrically emotional vocals are all there, but the chorus is lacking a few hooks and this isn't likely to be track that stays in your head after it has ended, although after a few listens it's hard not to sing along to the refrain 'Kick the wall smash the lights, ricochets burning up / Firecracker / Firecracker / I will not complain at all / I will never be tricked by you'.
First b-side 'Honey Bee' occupies the same tight space as the opening track, albeit with a consistently faster, pace and a better sense of tension as the chorus approaches. It still falls a few centimetres short of the truly epic, but there is a hint of the Arcade Fire in its densely built verses and haunts the mind longer than the title track. 'Loan Shark' is the (almost) statutory ballad, and serves to prove that Voxtrot can do slower songs too, and although this offering lacks the vocal emotion it would need to be touching it has a catchy pace and tune, convincing the listener that the band's album will not be without variation.
Voxtrot are certainly a cut above many other guitar-based up-and-coming bands, and if generic indie pop floats your boat, drives your car or flies your plane 'Firecracker' will not disappoint. Their sound still lacks a certain je na sai quoi, that may be enthusiasm, originality or just that certain something that makes a piece of music special, and the (largely internet-based) hype surrounding them therefore may soon fade.