Based in Gibraltar,
Taxi are one of many decent but not particularly distinctive mainstream Spanish-language rock bands, and their fourth album,
Aquí y Ahora (seventh if one counts the three released when the band was named
Melon Diesel) is as good an example of the genre as all of their previous work. Seasoned Spanish pop producer Jesús N. Gómez (
Luz Casal,
Joaquín Sabina,
Álex Ubago) makes sure
Aquí y Ahora is ready-made for radio, with Dylan Ferro's pleading voice dominating the mix over a competent backing unit, rolling out one soaring chorus after another, plus the occasional obligatory ballad. The best moments, however, happen every time guitarists Dani Fa and Danny Bugeja are allowed a little more room to flex their chops, as their solid interplay and tasteful licks lift the songs above the genre's common denominator, for instance in "Perdido en la Calle," "Un Final de Verdad," and the single "Aunque Me Pidas Perdón." Overall, a solid, well-played, if inevitably formulaic affair. The CD version of
Aquí y Ahora comes with an hour-long "making-of" video, while a digital version offers two extra tracks. ~ Mariano Prunes