Release the Sounds: White Denim, 'Fits'

By Nate Jackson Tue., Oct. 20 2009 at 12:34 PM

Categories: album review

Though the virtues of tacky 80s wear are typically lost on today's youth (usually for good reason), you can't deny the utter originality and attitude that breathes life into a what was once a plain t-shirt or pair of jeans--a classic feel with a snazzy twist. Maybe that's the mindset that inspired the birth of White Denim, a tough Texas three piece with a knack for dressing up classic sounds. Today their sophomore full length, aptly titled Fits, hits the racks (on Downtown Records/Full Time Hobby) and we highly suggest that you try on a copy.

From WD's growling bass and drums on the spunky opener "Radio Milk How Can You Stand It" to the chaotic and eclectic gems like "El Hard Attack DCWYW" (listen for the banjo), the band quickly shows their ability to keep a rough, durable edge even in the most intricate of time signature experiments. In the end you get songs like "I Start To Run", with a piss and whiskey rock-n-roll feel that would feel at home on any MC5 or James Gang record. Throw in a little Big Business or Tweak Bird and you've kinda got an idea of what these guys are going for.

And just when you think you've figured out just how Fits is going to move along for the rest of the record, WD stretches out a little more into reverberated psychedelia courtesy of "Mirrored and Reverse" and then the Black Keys-style soul in "Paint Yourself," or the trailing, Latin-infused jam band styling of "Sex Prayer." What does stay consistent throughout the album are the proficient musician ship of drummer Joshua Block, bassist Steve Terebecki and the howling soul sputter of vocalist/guitarist James Petralli as they stop and switch styles at the drop of a dime. By the time you've made it to the album's last track, "Sync," fraught with in-the-pocket rhythm and mounting intensity, you've already discovered your favorite new pair of jeans, or in this case, rock band.