Formed in 2003 Melbourne band Black Cab is singer and programmer Andrew Coates and guitarist James Lee and features live and recorded performances from a number of well known Australian musicians including drummer Richard Andrew (Registered Nurse, Underground Lovers, Crow, Princess 1.5), bassist Anthony Paine (High Pass Filter, Hired Guns), programmer Steve Law (Zen Paradox), and guitarist Alex Jarvis (Amplifier Machine, Alex Jarvis Band). Black Cab's sound is a blend of rock and electronics with shades of Europe and America in the '70's.
Black Cab's debut album, Altamont Diary was released in Australia in late 2004, in the UK in Sept. 2005 and across Europe via stickman records in March 2006. Altamont Diary received rave reviews around the world for it's wierd psychedelic electronica rock take on the Rolling Stone's fateful free concert at altamont Speedway in late 1969.
Black Cab's second album, Jesus East, was released in Australia in September 2006 and was nominated in the top 25 Australian albums for the 2006 Australian Music Prize. The band toured Germany, Austria, Holland and Belgium in May 2007 to support the European release of Jesus East through Stickman Records. A remix EP of tracks from Jesus East, titled Surrender, was released in 2007.
Black Cab's third album, Call Signs was released in Australia in July 2009 through Sydney label Laughing Outlaw. After an extended lay-off the new album features a strong return to keyboards and found sounds loosely inspired by 1970's East Germany and the notorious Stasi state security organisation. The new album was produced by Woody Annison (Children Collide , 'Altamont Diary') and features a guest lead vocal from Died Pretty's legendary frontman Ron S. Peno. The first double track single 'Rescue'/'Black Angel' was released in June '09. 'Black Angel' is a tribute to the tragic genius '70's singer songwriter Judee Sill. In February 2010 'Call Signs' was shortlisted for the 2009 australian music prize.
Black Cab released a single and remix ep, Sexy Polizei, in June 2010 and a further single, Combat Boots, in June 2011.
Black Cab's official site is http://www.interstate40music.com
with all tracks available from http://blackcab.bandcamp.com/