by Jackie Lam
I don’t consider myself to be much of an enthusiast. I’ve
managed to have a lukewarm acceptance of
many things (most modern day conveniences,
sign twirlers), and occasionally reach a level of mild appreciation for others,
(Netflix, Del Taco Tuesdays) but when upon listening to a sampler of Voxhaul Broadcast’s upcoming debut
album, I was floored. Boys and girls, I’ve fallen prey to the dangers of
experiencing an enthusiasm of schoolgirl proportions. I may just have to
plaster a poster of the band on my ceiling.
It’s no great wonder that Voxhaul Broadcast has been creating massive buzz on the indie music circuit, getting lots of airtime on KCRW and playing a string of shows with Local Natives. However it's a huge surprise they have yet to release their first album, which is slated to be completed in June, as their recorded tracks reveal a branded sound couched in indie rock sensibilities that usually only veteran musicians achieve.
This handful of songs are stories of untreated heartbreak and bittersweet nostalgia that’s far from saccharine. “Blackout Conversations” plays out like a brawl in the back of a dive bar. It’s a wonderful mess of lyrical mayhem and wild, unpredictable drum riffs smattered against a sweet cascade of a twinkling piano. “Fact or Fiction” is hands-down my favorite. Gossamer-like lyrics (Saw your ghost on the side of the freeway/So many things I don’t try to comprehend) wrapped up in the swell of push-and-pull fuzzy guitars, emphatic drumming, and singing that reaches a fiery growl yet bears a gentle immediacy.
The songs on the sampler, which were recorded with Chris Thorn from Blind Melon have a singular effect of wrapping you up in unpredictable layers and tapping into an unfounded spirit inside of you. Sheer magic? I like to think so.
Comments