Black Taxi: Hottest Band at SXSW

By Jenny University Of Texas

If someone asked me what my favorite part of SXSW was, I would say Black Taxi. Sure, I saw Jay-Z. Yeah, I checked out Miike Snow, and I was mildly impressed with The Temper Trap. But no one turned me on like Black Taxi. Maybe it’s the way the music makes me move, maybe it’s the seductive nature of Bill’s voice, maybe it’s that Ezra pulls on a crowd like a marionette, and he didn’t care at all when I stole his maraca in a fit of dancing.

Black Taxi is a Brooklyn based four piece that has just enough pop to make you dance, just enough grit to land a spot on your play list and just enough of some intangible mischief that keeps you curious and wanting. Strokes, Cake, Black Keys, Modest Mouse…little hints of all but a sound all their own, that’s Black Taxi. In the image from left to right is Bill (guitar and vocals), Ezra (vocals, keys, trumpet and other melodic toys), Jason (drums and vocals) and on the bottom right Krisana (bass). Lacking pomp, circumstance and other rock star indifference, these guys are good people. The type you can run into on the street and end up partying the rest of the night with. The kind you not so secretly become that fan with. Yeah, they’re that good.

If I had to leave you with 5 songs to check out in order to lend credit to my boldness, I’d give you the following list. That said, you’d be doing yourself a great disservice not to see them perform live. Their energy spreads like a contagion. It’s sexy…really, really sexy.

1. Hand, We Don’t Know Any Better
2. Pretty Mama, Things of That Nature
3. Head On a Pike, Things of That Nature
4. Tightrope, We Don’t Know Any Better
5. Vultures, We Don’t Know Any Better

And without further adieu, CollegeCandy goes backstage with Black Taxi at SXSW. Be sure to like them on facebook and check out their website for upcoming shows and their tour schedule.