Not long ago, I had posted BLACK TAXI‘s single “House on Fire” (which has gotten some high praise from MTV Buzzworthy) from their forthcoming Chiaroscuro EP. A product of the band’s three-month stint in Austin prior to SXSW, the EP is finally ready to drop on September 10! For all those curious, “chiaroscuro,” as defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary, is, “a : the arrangement or treatment of light and dark parts in a pictorial work of art; b : the interplay or contrast of dissimilar qualities (as of mood or character).”
An appropriate title, the Brooklyn-based quartet’s newest EP takes a turn for a much dancier (if you can believe it), synth-heavy, electro-based, 80s-inspired sound, tinged with dark, quirky edges. Jumpstarting with “The Runner,” the EP opens with ringing guitars that build with twinkling synths that erupt into dance grooves swirling through ethereal reverb and blips and beeps. “Gone” slinks and swings with haunting and jazzy trumpet lines and is driven by choruses of hypnotic chants, disco-esque beats, and epic guitar solos (think Journey). “Can’t Stop Shaking” pulsates with robotic vibes and single, “House on Fire,”is the anthemic dance number that rounds out the release. BLACK TAXI also includes some special bonus music, remixes of “House on Fire” by SoundSAM No Time and “Can’t Stop Shaking” by Soul Puncherz for the true club goer.
The four piece will be welcoming Chiaroscuro at their official release show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on September 10, where they will be opening for another “taxi” band, MOON TAXI. Grab your tickets here! 
In case you didn’t get to check out “House on Fire,” listen below!
Rocker Stalker 