The Wet Taxis: Unravelling an Australian Enigma

In the vibrant, sometimes chaotic, landscape of late 1970s and 1980s Australian music, a band emerged from Sydney that defied easy categorisation and left an indelible, if fleeting, mark: The Wet Taxis. Formed in 1977, this outfit underwent a fascinating transformation, shifting from an experimental collective to a powerhouse of 1960s-influenced garage rock and R&B. Their story is one of evolving lineups, compelling sound shifts, and the raw energy that defined a significant era of underground music in the UK and beyond, resonating with a global audience of music enthusiasts.

The Genesis: Experimental Beginnings (1977-1982)

The journey of The Wet Taxis began in Sydney in 1977, laying the groundwork for what would become a truly distinctive sound. The initial lineup was a creative blend of talent: Louis Tillett, a pivotal figure throughout the band’s existence, handled vocals and keyboards, immediately establishing a unique vocal presence that would become a hallmark of their sound. He was joined by Simon Knuckey on guitar, his brother Tim Knuckey on bass guitar, and Garry Bradbury, who contributed with a drum machine. This early configuration pointed towards an experimental sound, embracing the burgeoning electronic and post-punk influences of the late 70s.

Their early forays into recording culminated in the album-length cassette, Taxidermy, released in 1980. This cassette served as an early showcase for their experimental inclinations, demonstrating a willingness to explore sounds beyond conventional rock structures. The use of a drum machine, rather than a live drummer, further underscored their avant-garde approach, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries. This period was crucial in shaping their initial identity, allowing them to hone their craft and define the raw, unpolished edge that would characterise their later work.

However, as is often the case with experimental bands, lineups were fluid. In 1982, Garry Bradbury departed to join the highly influential Australian electronic music group Severed Heads. This departure marked a significant turning point, prompting a shift in the band's rhythmic foundation and, consequently, their overall sound. The search for a replacement led them to Nick Fisher, who took over on drums, bringing a live, dynamic percussive element that would contribute to their evolving direction. Simultaneously, Peter Watt joined on rhythm guitar, adding another layer to their instrumental texture. This period of transition was pivotal, as it began to steer The Wet Taxis away from their purely experimental roots towards a more structured, yet still fiercely independent, musical path.

A New Direction: Garage Rock and R&B Prowess (1983-1985)

The introduction of Nick Fisher on drums and Peter Watt on rhythm guitar heralded a noticeable evolution in The Wet Taxis' sound. The band began to shed some of its earlier experimental leanings, embracing a tougher, more direct approach heavily influenced by the raw energy of 1960s garage rock and rhythm & blues. This transformation was further solidified when Peter Watt was replaced by Penny Ikinger the following year, whose guitar work would become integral to their new sound. Ikinger's contribution helped to solidify the band's aggressive yet melodic guitar attack, adding a distinctive flavour to their increasingly refined style.

This renewed focus on authentic garage/R&B sound attracted the attention of Hot Records, a prominent Australian independent label known for championing innovative acts. Signing with Hot Records was a significant milestone for The Wet Taxis, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience. Their debut single on the label, a cover version of The Atlantics' 1967 track 'Come On', retitled 'C'mon', was released in May 1984. This single perfectly encapsulated their new direction, boasting an authentic garage/R&B sound heavily influenced by American garage/punk bands. It was raw, energetic, and unapologetically retro, yet delivered with a contemporary intensity that resonated with critics and fans of the burgeoning indie scene.

Later that same year, The Wet Taxis followed up the success of 'C'mon' with the release of their album, From the Archives. This album further cemented their reputation as a formidable force in the Australian music scene, showcasing their evolving songwriting and instrumental prowess. It offered a deeper dive into their 1960s-influenced sound, replete with driving rhythms, bluesy guitar riffs, and Louis Tillett's distinctive vocals. Despite their growing momentum and critical acclaim, by February 1985, The Wet Taxis entered a period of hiatus. This pause, though temporary, left fans eager for their return, highlighting the impact they had made in a relatively short time.

The Revival and the Brass Infusion (1986-1987)

The hiatus, while brief, only intensified the anticipation for The Wet Taxis' return. In January 1986, the band was indeed revived, spearheaded by the enduring core of Louis Tillett on vocals and piano, Nick Fisher on drums, and Penny Ikinger on guitar. This stable foundation allowed for new blood to infuse the band with fresh energy and ideas. They were joined by Rod Howard on bass guitar, Jason Kain on lead guitar, and Bronstantine Karlarka on keyboards. This new lineup promised a continuation of their established sound, but with added depth and instrumental complexity.

However, the most significant and transformative addition to The Wet Taxis' sound came in May 1986, when they expanded to include a brass section. This bold move saw the recruitment of Dianne Spence on saxophone and Kathy Wemyss on trumpet, both formerly of the critically acclaimed band Laughing Clowns, renowned for their innovative fusion of jazz and rock. They were joined by Gladys Reed on trombone, completing a powerful three-piece brass section. This infusion of brass elevated The Wet Taxis' music to new heights, adding layers of sophistication and richness that were rare in the garage rock scene. The brass section allowed them to explore more intricate arrangements, blending their raw R&B influences with elements of jazz and soul, creating a truly unique sonic tapestry.

This expanded, more ambitious lineup went on to record and release the single 'Sailor's Dream' in May 1987. This track showcased the full breadth of their evolved sound, with the brass section adding a majestic and melancholic dimension to Tillett's emotive vocals and the band's driving rhythm section. 'Sailor's Dream' stood as a testament to their continued musical growth and willingness to experiment within their established framework. Despite the artistic success and the band's renewed vigour, The Wet Taxis had broken up by mid-year 1987, marking the end of their active period. Their relatively short but impactful career left behind a legacy of compelling music and a fascinating study in band evolution.

Key Figures and Their Enduring Contributions

The story of The Wet Taxis cannot be fully told without acknowledging the pivotal roles played by its various members, each contributing to the band's unique identity. Louis Tillett remained the constant force, his distinctive vocals and piano work providing the emotional core and a recognisable signature throughout all iterations of the band. His ability to convey raw emotion, whether through a soulful croon or a punk-infused shout, was central to their appeal.

The rhythm section was foundational, with Tim Knuckey and later Rod Howard providing solid bass lines, and Garry Bradbury's early drum machine giving way to Nick Fisher's dynamic live drumming. Fisher's contributions were particularly important in driving the band's shift towards a more energetic, performance-oriented sound.

Guitarists Simon Knuckey, Peter Watt, Penny Ikinger, and Jason Kain each brought their own flavour to the band's sonic landscape. Penny Ikinger, in particular, left a significant mark with her fiery guitar work during the band's garage/R&B peak. Her contributions helped define the band's punchy, riff-driven sound.

The addition of the brass section in the final iteration was a stroke of genius, demonstrating the band's adventurous spirit. Dianne Spence (saxophone), Kathy Wemyss (trumpet), and Gladys Reed (trombone) added an unexpected layer of musicality, transforming their sound into something richer and more nuanced. Their pedigree, particularly Spence and Wemyss's background with Laughing Clowns, underscored the quality and ambition of this final lineup. Bronstantine Karlarka on keyboards during this period also added to the harmonic complexity.

The Sound Defined: From Experimental to Raw Power

The evolution of The Wet Taxis' musical style is perhaps one of their most intriguing aspects. They commenced life as an experimental outfit, a characteristic common among many bands emerging from the vibrant post-punk scene of the late 1970s. This early phase, as evidenced by Taxidermy, allowed them to explore unconventional structures and textures, laying a foundation for their future creativity.

However, their sound truly crystallised as they took on a tougher, 1960s-influenced direction. This shift was not merely a stylistic choice but a complete embrace of the raw, unpolished energy of vintage garage rock and the soulful drive of rhythm & blues. Their debut single 'C'mon' perfectly showcased this transformation, boasting an authentic garage/R&B sound that was immediately captivating. It was heavily influenced by American garage/punk bands, echoing the likes of The Stooges, MC5, and early Rolling Stones, but filtered through a distinctly Australian lens. The music was direct, punchy, and brimming with a primal energy that made it incredibly compelling.

The inclusion of a brass section in their later phase added another dimension, allowing them to fuse their garage rock roots with elements of jazz and soul. This expanded sound made them even more unique, demonstrating their versatility and willingness to push boundaries while remaining true to their core ethos of raw, heartfelt music.

Evolution of The Wet Taxis Lineups

To better understand the various phases of The Wet Taxis, let's examine the key lineups that shaped their sound and trajectory:

Frequently Asked Questions About The Wet Taxis

Here are some common questions prospective listeners and fans might have about this intriguing Australian band:

Q: Who were the primary members of The Wet Taxis?
A: While the lineup evolved significantly, Louis Tillett (vocals, keyboards/piano) was the constant and defining presence. Key members across different iterations included Simon Knuckey (guitar), Tim Knuckey (bass), Garry Bradbury (drum machine), Nick Fisher (drums), Peter Watt (guitar), Penny Ikinger (guitar), Rod Howard (bass), Jason Kain (lead guitar), Bronstantine Karlarka (keyboards), Dianne Spence (saxophone), Kathy Wemyss (trumpet), and Gladys Reed (trombone).

Q: What kind of music did The Wet Taxis play?
A: The Wet Taxis started as an experimental outfit. They then evolved into a band known for a tougher, 1960s-influenced sound, specifically authentic garage/R&B, heavily influenced by American garage/punk bands. In their final phase, they incorporated a brass section, adding elements of soul and jazz to their raw sound.

Q: What was their most notable release?
A: Their debut single on the Hot label, 'C'mon' (1984), a cover of The Atlantics' 'Come On', is often cited as a definitive example of their garage/R&B sound. The album From the Archives (1984) also represents a significant body of their work from that period.

Q: Why did The Wet Taxis have so many lineup changes?
A: Like many bands in the independent music scene, especially those with an experimental bent, lineup fluidity can be common due to creative differences, members pursuing other projects (like Garry Bradbury joining Severed Heads), or simply the natural evolution of a band's sound and vision. The band's desire to incorporate new instruments, like the brass section, also necessitated changes.

Q: When did The Wet Taxis form and break up?
A: The Wet Taxis formed in 1977. They went into hiatus by February 1985 and, after a revival in January 1986, had broken up again by mid-1987, marking the end of their active career.

Q: Where can I find their music today?
A: Given their independent roots and the era in which they were active, their releases might be rare or difficult to find. Vinyl copies of their singles and albums may surface in specialist record shops or online marketplaces. Digital availability would depend on reissues or archival efforts by labels or fan groups.

Q: Did Louis Tillett continue his music career after The Wet Taxis?
A: Yes, Louis Tillett has had a significant and diverse solo career and has been involved in numerous other musical projects, cementing his reputation as a respected figure in Australian music.

A Lasting, Though Brief, Legacy

The story of The Wet Taxis is a compelling chapter in the history of Australian independent music. Despite their relatively short lifespan and numerous lineup changes, they managed to forge a distinctive identity, evolving from a quirky experimental group into a formidable garage rock and R&B powerhouse. Their commitment to a raw, authentic sound, combined with Louis Tillett's captivating presence, made them a band that commanded attention.

From the early days of Taxidermy and its drum machine rhythms to the blistering guitar work on 'C'mon' and the sophisticated brass arrangements of 'Sailor's Dream', The Wet Taxis consistently pushed their own boundaries. They demonstrated that a band could be both deeply rooted in classic rock influences and daringly experimental, embracing change as a catalyst for growth. Their legacy is not just in the records they released, but in the memory of their electrifying live performances and their undeniable contribution to the diverse tapestry of the Australian music scene of the 1980s. For those seeking authentic, uncompromising rock and roll with a twist, The Wet Taxis remain a band well worth discovering.

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