Multi-platinum and multi-talented singer and songwriter David Kushner brought his ‘Dichotomy Tour’ to Phoenix, Arizona to an adoring and loud crowd. While promoting his latest album Dichotomy the setlist still held some beloved crowd favorites and throwbacks for fans.
On stage, Kushner holds a heavy presence. He is mesmerizing and commands such an attention yet there is a softness to him. His voice floats above the music, blanketing the venue even as fans try to scream over him. The deep baritone of his voice is jaw-dropping live, contributing to his larger-than-life energy on stage. As the crowd sung along to every song, Kushner stood at the head of the helm like a preacher to a choir, passionately singing his songs like a gospel. Kushner, who refuses to hide or censor his religious views, creates an experience not unlike the feeling of a church. With God close to his heart, there’s an undeniable, overwhelming presence surrounding him as he’s on stage. He’s amazing to watch, engaging the crowd and using his voice and movements to add so much emotion and energy into every song.
The setlist included ‘Burn’ off his 2022 album Footprints I Found. Kushner told fans the song was about a relationship that went wrong and dedicated the song to anyone in the crowd who had experienced a toxic relationship. During ‘Miserable Man’, Kushner led the crowd in a sing-a-long for the last verse. The voices in the audience raised, the band going quiet. It was a beautiful moment, the sea of voices all suddenly coming together almost as a single entity, singing “All we wanted was a place to feel like home,” matching the melody perfectly. It was no longer David Kushner and the crowd, but simply, a community of small town, miserable men.
Much of the setlist was from his latest album, for which the tour is promoting. However, along with ‘Burn’ and ‘Miserable Man’, he treated fans to ‘Mr. Forgettable’, ‘Elk Grove’, and ‘Cigarettes’ from his previous releases. He ended the show with, perhaps his most popular song, ‘Daylight’, which the crowd loved. As he said goodnight, thanking the crowd, the cheers rang and hung around for a moment even after he left the stage.
David Kushner is not only a powerhouse vocalist, but an overwhelming, absorbing stage presence. As he performs, he is so comfortable on stage and so fervent in the music. He allows himself moments to get lost, pulling the crowd into him, and then he explodes at perfect moments. It is so captivating to watch. And his fans are not only just as passionate, but so loving and excited and supportive. There was a beautiful energy in the venue, with a strong sense of community amongst everyone.
Kushner creates an experience at his shows, but it doesn’t even feel intentional. He simply loves what he’s doing and expresses that on stage, and the audience can’t help but love him back. He is passionate, and his talent can not be understated. His voice hangs heavy on every lyric and it forces you to listen. Fans sang along, screaming words and cheering, but his voice never faltered, always somehow maneuvering through any other sound in its way. It’s hard to explain with words, you have to experience it.
Fans of Kushner went home from the show with a new appreciation for every song, and a show that will remain high on the list of their favorite concerts.
