Spotlight on Toxic Audio
By Jarret Keene

Once Toxic Audio hits the stage of Luxor’s Atrium Showroom, you’ll ask yourself how five vocalists can create such incredible sounds. Without so much as a pre-recorded track or instrument, Toxic Audio uses only the power of the human voice to dazzle your ears. There are also some comedic elements thrown in to keep you in stitches in between the group’s sonic booming.

Toxic Audio began its career seven years ago at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, and early on, the band sought to distinguish itself from the rather staid a cappella groups that each member had cut its teeth in – doo-wop, barbershop, etc. Bringing a hip, edgy approach to the a cappella format is what Toxic Audio specializes in, and the band spent most of last year establishing itself in the New York theater scene, garnering several top awards, and even praise from Paul Shaffer of “Late Night with David Letterman.” Soon, Luxor came a’ callin’ on the quintet for a special limited engagement.

There’s a bit of something for everyone in Toxic Audio’s show with music ranging from a celestial version of “Stand By Me” to a hilarious workout of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Other songs performed are those made famous by Miami Sound Machine, Evanescence, and even, yes, the Muppets. There are some great audience-participation numbers, too – but don’t worry, this isn’t a cringe-inducing hypnosis show where the point is to have you barking like a dog. This is a comfortable evening of entertainment that will simultaneously keep you on your toes as to what happens next.

For example, when flop-haired Paul Sperrazza – the ultimate human beatbox – pulls a woman from the audience to serenade her, the joke’s on him, as his band mates tamper with the turntable, causing his voice to speed up or slow down, depending on what RPM has been selected. Or consider the TV theme song medley that involves a temperamental remote control. You’ll be laughing even as you gasp in awe at the band’s pyrotechnical sound.

None of this does justice to the power and humor of Toxic Audio, though. You have to see and hear it to understand how brilliant this show really is. One thing’s for sure: This ain’t your grandma’s a cappella!

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