Way before their full-length release Timing Is Everything debuted on March 22 this year, the L.A.-based group, Voxhaul Broadcast, was mentioned on the local taste-making radio station KCRW’s “Most Played” list of 2010. Though it may only have been a support slot, when the band took the stage at The Gramercy Theatre it was as if they were already well seasoned from touring and ready for their breakthrough moment. They began with “Blackout”, which is on heavy rotation in L.A. and being picked up elsewhere. It was played to tempo, instead of frantically sped up in the excitement of live performance, so things could rightly build, with shout-outs adding to the party atmosphere.
Next up was “Leaving on the 5th”, another confident entry with their sound mixing rock, R&B and soul influences. Singer/front-man David Dennis doesn’t just take care of lead vocals, he’s a storyteller using gestures to illustrate the lyrics, all while playing guitar. The catchy pop hooks have emotional payoffs and the musical structure of the songs aren’t rigid; they ebb and flow with dynamics. Dennis and guitarist Anthony Aguiar, along with bass player Philip Munsey, worked the edge of the stage to keep the audience part of the show. Kurt Allen’s muscular intensity on the drums propelled “Cheetah”, a big crowd pleaser. Their set ended with the full on sound of “Back Rooms” with an all hands on deck approach and screaming vocals.