If pop had an older, more-mature-but-still-makes-fart-jokes, kind of indie brother, Black Taxi would be friends with him. This Brooklyn-based 6-piece alt-rock outfit is joining the Class of 2010. Rubbing elbows in the class photo with the likes of Phoenix, The Black Keys and Neon Trees. Or rather, they’re the younger classmen that tagged along with the cool older seniors. Black Taxi is eager but still too young to join the varsity team. Their 2011 release We Don’t Know Any Better shows their natural talent but lacks the curveball of originality. This album is exactly what you expect it to be, the catchy toe-tapping beats with just enough electro to groove to while the energetic singer (Ezra Huleatt) swoons and sweats over an impressive vocal range and melancholy lyrics.

Like all growing kids, Black Taxi even shows growth throughout these 13 tracks. The end half of the album is stronger and more dynamic than the formulaic first half. The first song on the album and single “Tightrope” makes you nod your head like any good radio song and promises the same things as most Bonnaroo lineup bands do. However, the album shifts around “Vultures” and gets strong enough to ensure another spin on any gently-used record player. The acoustic ballad of the album “Holding Onto Nothing” is the most intriguing track on the album because its not lost in the glitz and glam of these fuzzed out fellas. Followed by “Politics” an indie anthem envoking the Shins.

Each member brings a different musical background to this skinny-jeaned potluck, ranging from hip-hop to synthpop to orchestral theater, showing their clear talent as musicians. The ingredient list for We Don’t Know Any Better has the classic stock of guitar, drum, bass but is also sprinkled with some carnival drums, trumpet and a glockenspiel. These well played instruments are only partially lost in the fuzzed out effects of this sparkly processed album, a predicament that is growing like moss through most alt-rock bands of today. Talented producer Aaron Nevezie (The Black Keys, Danger Mouse) stamped his trademark on this album with his dancy yet dark college rock perfected for CMJ alt-rock radio stations.

Conclusion: College rock has yet another contender.