Underground Montreal Act Builds Momentum With New Music and International Attention
Montreal garage punk band Taxi Girls is preparing to release its latest single, “Secret Handshake,” on June 5 as the group continues building momentum ahead of the launch of its upcoming album Static later this month.
The track, released through Stomp Records, marks the second single from the band’s forthcoming full-length album, scheduled for release June 26. Accompanied by a new music video, the song arrives as the Montreal-based group gains wider recognition beyond the city’s independent music circuit.
Formed in 2022, Taxi Girls has become part of a growing wave of Canadian punk and alternative acts emerging from Montreal’s underground live music scene. Known for energetic performances and a raw garage-rock sound, the all-female quartet has steadily expanded its audience through touring, festival appearances and word-of-mouth support.
“Secret Handshake” Explores a Softer Side of the Band
New Single Balances Punk Energy With Themes of Nostalgia and Friendship
While Taxi Girls’ earlier material leaned heavily into fast-paced garage punk and riot grrrl influences, “Secret Handshake” introduces a more melodic and reflective tone.
According to the band’s press materials, the song focuses on themes of love, friendship and fleeting summer relationships. The lyrics centre on “sharing something special with someone and wishing it could last beyond the summer,” while emphasizing emotional connection despite time and distance.
“Secret Handshake” reveals a softer side of Taxi Girls, showcasing the band’s sweeter and more vulnerable side. Written from a place of love and longing, the song captures the feeling of wanting a summer fling to last a bit longer than the fading season. Even when summer is over, you’ll always have your secret handshake.
The single maintains the group’s garage-rock foundation while incorporating more hook-driven songwriting and power-pop influences. Industry observers note that genre blending has become increasingly common among emerging Canadian punk acts seeking broader streaming and festival audiences.
Montreal’s Underground Scene Continues to Shape the Band’s Identity
Local Music Culture Influences Taxi Girls’ Sound and Image
Taxi Girls’ music draws heavily from Montreal’s independent music culture, referencing both the city’s nightlife and its long-standing reputation as a hub for alternative rock and punk.
The band’s press materials describe influences ranging from late-night dépanneur runs and Saint-Laurent Boulevard nightlife to cult films and classic female-fronted punk acts such as The Runaways, Girlschool and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.
The group has also been associated with modern punk and alternative artists including Amyl and the Sniffers and The Interrupters, reflecting the cross-generational influences shaping today’s independent rock scene.
Industry analysts have noted that Montreal continues to play a significant role in Canada’s live music economy, particularly within independent and alternative genres that rely heavily on touring, local venues and grassroots promotion.
Touring and International Exposure Expand the Band’s Reach
High-Profile Supporting Slots Help Raise Visibility
Over the past year, Taxi Girls has shared stages with several established punk and rock acts, including NOFX, Lagwagon, The Hives and Billy Talent.
Those appearances have helped increase the group’s visibility both within Canada and internationally.
The band also received a boost after Iggy Pop featured Taxi Girls on his BBC Radio 6 Music program, exposing the Montreal act to a broader global audience already engaged with alternative and independent music.
Music industry professionals say support from established artists and influential radio programs remains an important discovery tool for emerging independent bands, even as streaming platforms dominate music consumption.
Upcoming Album ‘Static’ Signals Broader Artistic Direction
Band Positions New Record as More Than a Traditional Punk Album
As anticipation builds for Static, Taxi Girls appears focused on expanding beyond straightforward punk rock while retaining the urgency and energy associated with the genre.
The band’s promotional materials describe the album as “not just a collection of punk songs,” but a broader mix of loud, melodic, gritty and emotionally driven tracks.
“With ‘Secret Handshake,’ TAXI GIRLS sound tighter, louder, and more confident in what they’re doing,” the release states. “Hook-driven, sharp, and rooted in the chaos and cool of Montreal’s underground, the single feels like a band locking into their identity and pushing it further, no hesitation, no cleanup, just forward.”
Looking Ahead
With the release of “Secret Handshake” and the upcoming launch of Static, Taxi Girls is positioning itself as one of the emerging names in Canada’s independent punk scene. Backed by growing international attention and a strong live performance reputation, the Montreal band enters the summer release season with increasing momentum in both domestic and global alternative music markets.