Foxy Shazam

Knitting Factory - May 21, 2008

Live Review by Lauren Napier

Routinely bored with band’s onstage performances, I was leery to expect too much from Foxy Shazam. Their album possesses a spirit of high energy and candid creativity with an entertaining intro track and several lyrical inserts that are not to be expected.  The eccentric five-piece puts one’s worries to rest and delivers an exciting on stage spectacle. One would have been content with closing out the show to the soundtrack of “Introducing” with the cast of characters including Eric Sean Nally on vocals, Loren Daniel Turner on guitar, Schuyler Vaughn White on the keys, Daisy on bass, and Joseph Allen Halberstadt on drums. 

The band members don’t allow their musical instruments to constrict their movement.  Schuyler winds up on top of his keyboard to thrash and dance to the melodies.  But Eric is the focal point of the show despite the movement of all members. From an impromptu cover of the theme song to Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (which was sung in an operatic tone with a Shakespearean twist as well) to lighting five cigarettes before chewing and swallowing the lit cylinders: shock techniques that are accepted and welcome.

Scanning over the faces in the crowd, one observes expressions of fascination and incredulity. Believe it. You are witnessing Foxy Shazam: a live performance for which cannot be adequately prepared.

There is no farewell or closing to the set - just an abrupt pause and a repetition of the name. Then the band members are done. The five guys have departed from the stage and are loading out their gear. But do not fear, one or two of the members are already mingling within the crowd to be sure that fans can say hello and get their piece of conversation.  And the guys are just as crazy offstage as they are on. If one overhears the dialogue between band member and showgoer, it’s likely to not make sense. But one thing is not nonsensical: we all should introduce ourselves to Foxy Shazam.