Self-defined as indie-jam-rock, the band Moon Taxi offers an eclectic sound tied together by throwbacks to the stylized wah-wah’s, fuzzy effects and keyboard-laden grooves dominating the 1960’s and 70’s, as well as a thoughtful lyrical quality. However, Moon Taxi has become known best for their powerful live show.
“That’s how we gained the majority of our current fan base,” said Trevor Terndrut, Moon Taxi’s frontman. “We were roughing it on the road and playing tons of live shows, and we just became super tight.”
The Nashville-based band will play at The Bear Trap, tonight at 9 p.m., bringing their sound to the rooftops of Tuscaloosa. The 18-and-up show will have a $12 cover for those under 21 years old and $10 for anyone above the drinking age.
Trevor Terndrut and bassist Tom Putnam attended high school in Birmingham together and then gathered the remainder of Moon Taxi’s lineup during their college years in Tennessee. By 2007, the addition of keyboardist Wes Bailey finalized the quintet, whose extensive touring schedule earned them a powerful grassroots following around their Southeastern home.
“[Our show is] energetic, it’s loud and it’s compelling,” said Terndrut. “I think we’re fun to watch live because we enjoy it so much, and it’s a fun show where musicianship meets showmanship.”
Terndrut said the Southeast is truly the best place in the United States to get your start as a touring band. According to Terndrut, it’s easy to get from place to place, word spreads fast around SEC schools, and people really like going out to shows and appreciate good music.
“[Those who come to the show] will get a real sense of community because that’s sort of what we’ve formed over the years in Tuscaloosa and in all these SEC cities,” said Terndrut. “People know what to expect. They’ll have a fun time dancing, meet like-minded people, and it’s just a fun and safe environment all-around.”
Moon Taxi will bring with them a sound born out of their upcoming album “Cabaret” that will be released on Feb. 7. The second track on the album “All The Rage” is currently available to stream on their Facebook page. Terndrut said they wrote this album not only to feed their live energy, but to form a complete album that’s relevant to the modern musical scene while still true to the “Moon Taxi style.”
“I think it’ll be a great show,” Terndrut said. “I think it’s been hyped up, and it’s been a while since we’ve played Tuscaloosa. Fans can expect some new songs and a new flavor of Moon Taxi.”
