Phoneboy Serve Up Infinite Energy at LA's Teragram Ballroom
Phoneboy understood the assignment. Making their way to one of our favorite venues in Los Angeles, The Teragram Ballroom, I thoroughly enjoyed my night experiencing their sensational music. Please enjoy the full review of their set and a photo gallery below.
When I first saw Phoneboy, they were opening for The Happy Fits at a near capacity show at The Fonda Theatre. I don’t know how many people were there to see them, but it was my first time and they won over the crowd with their infectious energy and great songs. That’s the job, right? Support the headliner, don’t blow them away, but also win over as many people as you can and turn them into fans. They did that in spades.
So, when I heard they were going to play the tiny Moroccan Lounge I was thrilled to be able to see them headline a show. And then I was even more excited for them to learn that the gig was being moved to the even larger Teragram Ballroom. And they did not disappoint. In fact, they made that 600 person room feel like The Wiltern or the Hollywood Bowl, venues that these guys are absolutely ready for.
Double fronted by Ricky Dana and Wyn Barnum, who trade off verses and choruses in just about every song, the band lit up the night with a blast of their unique Herky-Jerky New Wave Stadium Indie Rock. (Also, shout out to the sound mixer at the venue, John. The mix was perfect. All too often bass and middles are punched way too hard and the vocals get lost but everything was blended so perfectly that nothing was lost. I know he is moving to another venue and that club will be lucky to have him)
Phoneboy manages the razor ride of sounding wholly original and familiar at the same time. I was concerned that their recorded sound (on the absolutely terrific new album, Moving Out) might have trouble translating into a live show but that fear was immediately wiped away when they ripped through their first song, the album opener, ”Ferrari”. In fact, and I didn’t think this would happen, but they actually even sounded better.
Now, I’m a sucker for good, between song and banter. I don’t need VH1 Storytellers, but a little personality goes a long way in stagecraft and Ricky, Wyn and bassist James Fusco are winning and charming and set the tone for a spectacular evening. They all know how to engage the crowd and make us part of the show. If Sunday night at the Teragram is any indication, Phoneboy has a lot of bigger venues on the horizon. And I will be there, front row to the Phoneboy Show.
Review & Photos by: @areallulu
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