Review: White Denim at The Troubadour

Review by KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox:

In the late sixties, rock n’ roll was propelled forward by the power trio — bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream & even Blue Cheer created a bombastic sound that was bigger than the sum of its parts. I am not fortunate enough to have existed back in this era, however I do feel fortunate to have discovered Austin-based band White Denim, a three-piece juggernaut who share a kinship with these power trios of yesteryear. And like the aforementioned Jimi Hendrix & Cream, White Denim is deep enough to temper their vibrant barrage with moments of beauty & complexity… a potent mix of guitar heroics, jazz-rock, psychedelic soul & groovy 70’s AM radio gems.

They performed last night at the Troubadour along with another notable three-piece, Brazos, and it was an absolute treat. Their sound was so expansive and voluminous I kept looking around to see if there was another guitar player hiding behind the drum kit. They played with a fire and energy I rarely see onstage. Even the scaled-back serenity of the intro to their song “Syncn” carried an electricity that was palpable. To snatch a line from Radiohead: for a minute there, I lost myself. Wasn’t thinking about the piles of work I had waiting for me at home. Wasn’t thinking about the people standing around me. Wasn’t thinking about what kind of beer I should have next. Wasn’t thinking about anything, really. Just soaking in the experience of great band playing at the peak of their powers.

Experience White Denim for yourself with their latest full-length Fits from Downtown Records and here on MySpace.