Moon Taxi, the Nashville-based indie progressive rock band fresh off its national television debut on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” headlines at Rick’s Café Friday. 

Moon Taxi formed in 2006 and quickly made a name for itself in the music industry. According to its website, ridethemoontaxi.com the band has released three albums to date and appeared at popular music festivals such as Bonnaroo, Forecastle and Lollapalooza.

Rick Welch, owner of Rick’s Café, said Moon Taxi has played at Rick’s before, and the band performs Friday because its following has grown consistently since its last performance at Rick’s.

“They’re great guys and a great band,” Welch said. “They’ve been here before, but they’ve gotten even more popular since then. I really hope everyone will come out and support the guys.”

Emma Hawes, senior communication major, said she is thrilled at the opportunity to finally see Moon Taxi play in Starkville, and the band has songs that play well in all situations. 

 “My favorite song by Moon Taxi is ‘Mercury.’ The beat of the drums and the guitar are in perfect harmony,” Hawes said. “It’s just a good song to listen to whether you’ve had the best or the worst day ever.”

Hawes said she especially looks forward to the band’s show since it comes on the heels of its newest album.

“I’m stoked for the concert, especially since they have released their latest album, ‘Mountains Beaches Cities,’” Hawes said.

“Mountains Beaches Cities” has received positive reviews on iTunes, Relix and Amazon, and AmericanSongWriter.com listed Moon Taxi as “Nashville’s best-kept secret.”

Niah Jamerson, senior communication major, said she has met the band members personally and their jovial, easygoing nature impressed her.

“They spent a lot of time joking around and teasing the friends I’d dragged along,” she said. “They seemed really down to earth for the most part.”

Jamerson said the band’s song “Square Circles” grabbed her attention and, like the band, grew on her with each repeated listen. 

“(The song) holds a special place in my little hipster heart because it was the first song by them I heard,” Jamerson said. “I had to listen to it twice before I could figure out if I liked it or not. Once I got past the fact that it was so different, I loved it.”

Jamerson said “Mountain Beaches Cities” reflects a maturation of the band’s music that parallels the band’s increasing fanbase. 

“(The band) seems to be going in a different direction, and I think it’s great that, even with their recent popularity, they’re still growing and doing new things instead of sticking with the sound that made them famous,” Jamerson said.

According to an interview posted on Moon Taxi’s website, guitarist and vocalist Trevor Terndrup said the band draws its musical inspiration from touring, traveling and exploring.

“We made a conscious effort with the last record to write meaningful songs and produce them in an exciting way,” he said. “That is still the ultimate goal. We strive to produce something that will outlast us as a band.” 

Ticket information may be found at rickscafe.net.