The Taxis formed in 1998 and played regular shows at the converted Fine Arts Theater in Portland to the all-ages crowd. In the winter of 1999 they signed a recording contract with North East Indie Records. Soon after the signing, work continued on the first EP Rude Girls Ride Free. This album began as a demo with the rhythm tracks recorded at Big Sound and was later finished at the now defunct North East Indie Studio. The EP was released in August of 1999 and has been a strong seller along with getting airplay on many college radio stations thanks to the efforts of Powderfinger Promotions. The Taxis continued to write new songs, endured personnel changes, and played local and regional shows. They began recording Autopilot in March of 2000 finishing later that fall. North East Indie released Autopilot in 2001. The album brought many positive reviews and a feature in the Portland Press Herald Go section (Maine's largest newspaper) usually reserved for national acts. This album was also added to a number of college radio stations in the northeast and as far away as WREK in Atlanta. The Taxis have solidified their lineup and continue to play in the Portland area. They have been expanding their fan base by playing the DIY scene along with getting on larger stages like Bumstock, Maine's largest annual outdoor concert, and The State Theater in Portland. They have played with notable bands like Big D and the Kids Table, Reel Big Fish, The Amazing Crowns, MxPx, and Good Charlotte. The Taxis sound continues to evolve as does the ever changing line up but their punk roots are still evident and their frenetic live shows never fail to win over new fans.
