Taxi Reviens Special Extended Play: A Retro Gem from Romantique Machine
Released in 1983, Taxi Reviens Special Extended Play by Romantique Machine is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s not perfect, but it’s got this quirky charm that sticks. Coming out of Canada under the RCA label, it blends rock, pop, and electronic vibes with a strong nod to synth-pop and chanson styles. Produced and arranged by Jean Robitaille, with lyrics penned by Jimmy Victime and Michel Laverdière, this EP feels like a snapshot of its time—equal parts experimental and heartfelt.
The standout track here has gotta be “Taxi Reviens.” Right off the bat, the song grabs your attention with its bouncy synths and catchy hooks. It’s one of those tunes where you can almost picture neon lights flashing in the background while someone drives through an empty city at night. The vocals are raw but full of emotion, like they’re telling a story you didn’t know you needed to hear. You don’t just listen to “Taxi Reviens”—you feel it. And honestly? That’s rare for a track from the '80s.
Then there’s the instrumental version of the same song. Some might call it filler, but I think it adds depth. Stripping away the lyrics lets you focus on the layers of sound—the hum of the synthesizers, the steady beat holding everything together. It’s kind of mesmerizing, like hearing the skeleton of the original piece come alive in a new way.
What makes this EP memorable isn’t just the music—it’s the little imperfections. There’s something refreshingly human about how unpolished it feels compared to today’s overly produced tracks. Sure, it shows its age, but that’s part of the appeal. Listening to it now feels like finding an old mixtape in the back of a drawer—nostalgic, unexpected, and kinda magical.
Here’s the thing though: if you’re diving into this album expecting groundbreaking innovation, you might be disappointed. But if you’re looking for a slice of '80s Canadian creativity that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Taxi Reviens Special Extended Play delivers. Funny enough, after listening to it, I couldn’t help wondering what Romantique Machine would sound like remixing modern hits. Maybe someday we’ll find out. Until then, crank up the volume and let yourself get lost in the retro vibes.
