Named after the bobble-headed figurines perched atop many a cabbie's dashboard, Taxi Doll combine muscular pop/rock craft with electronic flourishes. The group formed in Los Angeles in 2004, when European vocalist Dhana Taprogge crossed paths with keyboardist/producer Gregg Allen. The two shared an interest in dance-oriented rock music -- including Blondie and the Chemical Brothers, the latter of whom had previously recorded with Allen -- and their mutual influences quickly gave way to a full-fledged band. Taxi Doll expanded their ranks with the addition of drummer Jason Graham and bassist Brian Hendrix, and the group garnered their first accolades with the release of Waiting in 2006. The EP's title track peaked at number three on the American charts, and the band returned two years later with a full-length album, Here and Now. ~ Andrew Leahey