The Taxpayers - Live on KPSU
The Taxpayers' Myspace
I'm pretty jaded and picky when it comes to live music.
After working in clubs for ages, and having seen so many shows, it takes a lot to impress me, and very rarely does a band completely blow my mind.
The Taxpayers did this last week when I saw them open for Bomb the Music Industry.
Hailing from Portland, they play some of the best folk punk I've ever heard. The core of the band is guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, but they frequently bring other people and instruments into the fold (they played the shows I saw with a trumpet player and accordionist accompanying with them).
The songs are smart, fun, and catchy. Politically poignant at times, but without hammering it down your throat or sounding preachy.
They're also really nice people.
Uploaded here is a live recording of them on KPSU Radio. If you like this, or would rather start off with their studio material, head to their myspace - they have links to get both their albums for free posted there.