Nashville local band Taxicab Racers blew the crowd away last week at 8 off 8th. The high-energy power pop band brought heavy rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, which the girls seemed to love as they lipped their own version of the songs. The band, which moved to Nashville from Chattanooga, seem to have found their nook among the Nashville music scene. Their instrumental sound has a lot of the familiar sounds of Paper Route and for good reason. Taxicab Racers worked with Chad Howart (of Paper Route) to produce their new EP “Hunter/Beggar,” set for release in October. Although a lot of the sounds are almost overly familiar and at times it becomes hard to differentiate between what is Taxicab Racers and what is Paper Route, the new EP sounds phenomenal. The heavy use of synthesizers and rhythms allows for listeners to actually feel the band. Vocalist Michael Roddy sounds a lot like those from Owl City with a twang. Brittany Painter of The Bridges also did some guest vocals on the EP. The new album is loaded. The band knows their target audience and knows that the EP has a mainstream appeal. “We’re commercial. It kind of hurts us and it helps us,” Roddy says. The commercialism of the band doesn’t hinder the sound these artists offer; they offer something the audience can move to, something the crowd can relate to and something fun to listen to. This band is fast on the move and well worth the time it takes to go see their next show. – EJ Hirsch