Taxpayers – Self Titled Release

Taking cues from early Against Me!'s Punk folk approach and adding their own variations, the Taxpayers manage to write songs that are catchy, emotional, and basic in form. While their recordings could never capture the experience of seeing them live where they are constantly finding new ways to involve the audience, the songs on this CD are still quite contagious and can be moving in the band's passionate delivery. Perhaps the best example is "Needle's Eye," which is the quietest song on this C.D., but it gives an honest and wrenching depiction of loneliness and unrequited love.

Most of the other songs in contrast are quite lively and they are often political anthems for subculture youth trying to live outside of society. "No Lodging For the Mad" adds some country flavor to the album and has lyrics about how our culture often rejects those who think outside of the box. "Militaristic Kitchen" has a bit of a Billy Bragg feel with its upbeat music and lyrics that encourage listeners to find new ways of rebelling against war and militarism. "White Walls" and "There Is Trouble" are much more angry and take on a more traditional punk sound. The only song that kind of lags on the album is "Montana" with its sophomoric lyrics and music that doesn't seem to really go anywhere. Otherwise these are some great songs.

Woody Guthrie was once quoted saying "I hate a song that makes you think that you are not any good. I hate a song that makes you think that you are just born to lose," and went on to explain that good songs make people feel proud. I'm not sure if the folks in the Taxpayers have ever heard this quote or not but it seems that they are following in this same tradition and fighting the good fight. Keep on.

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/thetaxpayers


 

-Ditch-
Big Wheel Online Magazine
 

 

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