After a short hiatus away from the spotlight and with 3 years to create something incredible for the ears, Belgium’s TaxiWars returns with an eclectic mix of jazz-rock with Hip Hop influence on their latest full length, “Artificial Horizon”. Featuring the talents of dEUS frontman Tom Barman, saxophonist Robin Verheyen, bassist Nicolas Thys and drummer Antoine Pierre who came together to step things up to the next level by adding depth to their compositions, clarity to the beats and efficiency to their overall sound which is definitely heavy in the drum department which is exactly what we like over here at Nostalgia King.
Artificial Horizon is high on experimentation and creativity and demonstrates a kaleidoscope of styles and sounds. Tracks like album opener ‘Drop Shot, are sharp and on point, with a heavy sense of groove, while recent single ‘Sharp Practice’, is an impulsive, energetic vibration that steams jazz with late eighties hip-hop beats. Title track ‘Artificial Horizon’, is both beguiling and insistent with an ingrained punkiness that sets the band apart from the plush jazz scene, all thanks to Verheyen’s punchy, melodic lines and Barman’s haunting lyrics. “I wanted TaxiWars to be sharp, to the point, punky and trashy – much like the band Morphine. Long solos were no-go,” says Barman.