White Denim rocks London with a night of relentless brilliance

The music scene in Austin, Texas is renowned for its vibrancy and diversity, and one band that captures this essence is White Denim, the garage rockers who have earned a loyal cult following. Recently, they brought their musical prowess across the pond to Kentish Town to showcase their latest album, ’12’.

Attending a White Denim concert is a laid-back experience unlike any other. The band, scheduled to start at 8:30 pm, took the stage early after a quick sound check, opting to forego the formalities of exiting and reentering the stage. The audience happily agreed to the impromptu start, setting the tone for the evening.

White Denim treated the crowd to a marathon performance that spanned over two hours, encompassing tracks from their extensive discography. From their debut album ‘Workout Holiday’ in 2008 to their celebrated masterpiece ‘D’ in 2011, the band showcased their evolution and musical prowess with fan favorites and extended jams interspersed throughout the set.

Lead vocalist James Petralli exudes a sense of ease and authenticity that is rare in the world of rock and roll. He casually interacted with the audience, at one point requesting permission to rearrange the setlist due to a friend’s early departure. Petralli’s voice effortlessly transitions from gritty to delicate, highlighting the depth and diversity of White Denim’s musical offerings that clearly resonate with their dedicated fan base.

While Petralli commands attention with his vocals, it’s eccentric guitarist Cat Clemons and his pink guitar that steal the show with electrifying solos and driving rhythms that propel the band through their heavier tracks. Clemons showcases true showmanship, adding a dynamic energy to the performance.

One standout moment of the evening was ‘Anvil Everything’, a track that exemplifies White Denim’s willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures, keeping the audience on their toes as they navigate through hypnotic choruses and intricate instrumentation. The band’s ability to effortlessly transition between tracks with minimal breaks creates an intimate and immersive experience, akin to being a part of a spontaneous jam session.

White Denim’s commitment to delivering a memorable and energetic performance is evident in their 30-song setlist, which leaves no stone unturned in showcasing their musical dexterity and passion. For fans on this side of the pond, catching White Denim live is an experience not to be missed, a night of relentless rock brilliance that will leave you exhilarated and fulfilled.