Vox Rea - “Julia"

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Dodie, Lucius, Ibeyi

The warmth of Vox Rea’s music is reminiscent of the best of 00s trip-hop, but the Canadian duo end up landing more in a contemplative, indie pop zone on their 2022 self-titled record. R&B melodies influence the band’s blissed-out sound, adding a helping of soul that tends to ground their otherwise dreamy, floating approach. Vox Rea even introduce some cinematic jazz on “Sinatra” and “Dufferin Ave.”, twisting folk solace with more lush and interesting bearings. More than anything else, it’s this quality that really makes Vox Rea stand out. Follow-up single “Julia” even hits on some mid-tempo, psych-rock framing, all signposts to a band that has that the ability to morph and surprise as they grow. Pretty dream pop is normally the beginning and end of story for this type of music, but Vox Rea end up finding true moments of soul on this latest release. That transcendence should make for a moving late-night showcase from Vox Rea, closing out BreakOut West’s showcase on the Swan Dive Patio Thursday night, a stacked night also featuring Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Begonia, and The Garrys. (Kevin McStravick)