Taxi Violence, best known for their electrifying and theatrical live performances, toned the theatrics down somewhat for the launch. No sparky cross-dressing Bingos or goggly-eyed, big-headed men, this performance was a raw-and-neat whiskey one (hold the twist), allowing all focus to be brought upon the band themselves and their new material.
And what of the new material seen in album number four? Well, it's pure, hard, urgent, play-it-loud Taxi Violence, just supercharge injected. Better on all fronts: refined production, intelligent lyrics, rocking arrangements and a great cover of Johnny Cash's God's Gonna Cut You Down make this album a necessity in every self-respecting SA music lover's collection.
Tracks worth a shout out include the head shacking opening track Brainmash, the wonderfully rockabilly retro rumble that is Love Sick Rock 'n Roll, the drawly I-Want-My-Cake-And-Eat-It-Too, Best Of Both, and destined to be live favourite, title track Soul Shake. Finally, the last track, Walk Across My Grave, is such a great deep-down-south, foot-tappin' tune it makes you want hit the replay button and start that 11-track journey all over again.
This album makes you want to dance like a demon, drink like the devil and swear like a sailor. Simply put, it makes you want to kick and kiss up a fuss in a supremely un- ladylike manner. Come on then, what are you waiting for? Souls need to be shaken.
Soul Shake is available on iTunes.
