Writing On The Wall

The song "Writing On The Wall" by Taxxi from their album Traxx is a vibrant snapshot of the British AOR band’s signature sound, blending strong guitar riffs with heavy keyboards emblematic of the 1980s pop/rock scene. According to a review from Hardrock Haven, the track kicks off the Traxx album with a punch, showcasing David Cumming’s fiery vocals and the band’s knack for catchy choruses. The album itself, released in 2011 through MelodicRock Records, comprises unreleased tracks from 1987-1988, remastered by the renowned JK Northrup, known for his work with Billy Thorpe and King Kobra. This release was a nostalgic treat for fans, described as a “totally rad ‘80s sonic time capsule” that evokes the era of parachute pants and Walkmans. The song’s heavy keyboard presence might surprise fans of Taxxi’s earlier, guitar-driven hit “I’m Leaving,” but it underscores the band’s versatility in crafting memorable AOR melodies.

Another layer of intrigue around "Writing On The Wall" comes from its context within the Traxx album, which was produced after the departure of keyboardist Colin Payne. A Rocktopia review notes that these tracks were originally demos intended for a fifth album that never materialized until MelodicRock.com’s Andrew McNeice championed their release. The song’s production quality, as highlighted in an Amazon customer review, rivals that of Taxxi’s 1985 album Expose, with some fans even ranking Traxx among the band’s best work. The track’s blend of guitar and synth, paired with Cumming’s emotive delivery, captures the essence of Taxxi’s evolution during the late ‘80s, a period when they were experimenting with new sounds while contributing to movie soundtracks like Weird Science and The Secret of My Success.

Taxxi’s journey began in the late 1970s in London, where Scottish-born singer and guitarist David Cumming teamed up with drummer Jeffrey Nead and keyboardist Colin Payne. According to their biography on Wikipedia, the trio’s early demos caught the attention of Kit Lambert, leading to a deal with Fantasy Records. Their debut album, Day for Night, dropped in 1980, marking their entry into the AOR and new wave scene. The band’s relocation to the San Francisco Bay Area, as detailed in a Concord bio, was pivotal, connecting them with manager David Leiken and producer Phil Kaffel. This move fueled their early success, particularly in France, where tracks like “Not Me Girl” became club hits. Taxxi’s sound was enriched by session musicians like Randy Jackson and Danny Chauncey, later of .38 Special, adding depth to their recordings.

Despite their cult following, Taxxi faced challenges breaking into the mainstream. After three albums with Fantasy, they signed with MCA for their 1985 album Expose, which included the catchy “Still in Love.” A fifth album was recorded but shelved, and the band eventually disbanded. The 2001 compilation Chequered Past and the 2011 release of Traxx rekindled interest among fans. Sadly, Colin Payne passed away, but Cumming and Nead continued to honor the band’s legacy through these releases. Taxxi’s official website is not currently active, but fans can connect via their Facebook page. No official Instagram or X accounts are maintained by the band, and specific fan websites or dedicated Facebook groups for Taxxi are not widely documented. However, platforms like Discogs and Rate Your Music host active communities where fans discuss and trade Taxxi’s vinyl and CDs.