White Denim may have changed line ups several times, but they’ve remained a consistently excellent rock ‘n’ roll band for nearly two decades now. The Texan outfit began as raucous garage-rockers on their 2008 debut ‘Workout Holiday’ but in the intervening years they have developed towards a more polished, bluesy style that remains difficult to pin down.
With ‘12’ they have struck gold once more. Another textured, eclectic collection led by the singular vision of band leader James Petralli, it was informed by both a move from Austin to LA and his desire to solely direct and produce proceedings.
As with so many records of this vintage, the pandemic had an impact on how it was created. For the first time, tracks were sent in remotely by an increasing number of collaborators, many of whom Petralli hadn’t met in real life.
As a result, the instrumentation is often plentiful and over-indulgent while remaining cohesive, perhaps thanks to melodies that are almost uniformly bright and lush.
Light On breezily opens proceedings as Petralli reminds us to stay positive in the face of adversity: “Keep laughing in spite of the darkness / laughing in the faces of the heartless.” The same infectious energy flows through Econolining, where hints of flute and folk echo ‘Father Of The Bride’-era Vampire Weekend.
Later, Look Good carries a funk-driven vibe, with Tameca Jones’ soulful vocal contributions standing out. Then we’re effortlessly into Second Dimension, where futuristic keyboards and smooth bass tones combine into something almost Stevie Wonder-esque. Hand Out Giving mixes country and baroque pop with Petralli’s impassioned performance, while Precious Child stunningly closes the record in a subdued, jazz-focused manner.
Despite being released in 2024’s final month, ‘12’ is more about springtime escapism than winter realism. And, such is its dynamism and subtlety, it may require a couple of listens to fully appreciate. By the time the seasons change again it should really click. The pay-off will definitely be worth the effort and patience.
White Denim Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Sun March 02 2025 - DUBLIN Academy
Tue March 04 2025 - GLASGOW QMU
Wed March 05 2025 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Wylam Brewery
Thu March 06 2025 - MANCHESTER O2 Ritz
Sat March 08 2025 - LIVERPOOL Arts Club Theatre
Sun March 09 2025 - NOTTINGHAM Rescue Rooms
Mon March 10 2025 - SHEFFIELD Crookes Social Club
Wed March 12 2025 - BIRMINGHAM XOYO
Thu March 13 2025 - CARDIFF THE TRAMSHED
Fri March 14 2025 - LONDON O2 Forum Kentish Town
Sun March 16 2025 - BRISTOL SWX
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