The ever-evolving Austin band
White Denim
embrace a sophisticated jazz- and funk-infused sound on their aptly titled 12th album, 2024's
12
. Led by singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist
James Petralli
,
have grown from a raucous punk trio into soulful purveyors of a jam band-friendly style of '70s- and early-'80s-inspired rock. It's a vibe
Petralli
has been hinting at for a while and one that he and the band heavily explored on their 2023 collaboration with fellow singer/guitarist
Raze Regal
(
Raze Regal & White Denim Inc.
).
very much feels like a continuation of that album, but with a bigger, more robust sonic palette. They underline this change from the start on the opening "Light On," a spiraling, waltz-like tune with a positive-minded lyric that nicely evokes the dancey hippie jazz-rock of the
Grateful Dead
. From there, they dive into the hooky indie rock of "Econolining" and the twangy, alt-country-esque "Flash Bare Ass," both of which are as catchy as the group's best work. However, it's when you get to the synthy, liquid-bass-heavy anthem "Look Good" that
and
really start getting into the groove. The song is punctuated by two guest spots from fellow Texas artists
Tameca Jones
Jessie Payo
, both of whose throaty, highly resonant vocals contrast perfectly with
's, an earthy combination that evokes the organic '90s acid jazz of
the Brand New Heavies
. Yet more evocative moments follow, as on the buoyant "Second Dimension," which sounds uncannily like
Bruce Hornsby
Steve Winwood
covering a
Stevie Wonder
song. There's also the shimmering midtempo track "Hand Out Giving," which brings to mind the yearning country-gospel sound of
the Band
. Thankfully,
has a distinctively burnished and soulful voice all his own and never sounds too indebted to any one artist. Similarly, as a group
have matured into an ever more consummate band, crafting intricate piano and guitar lines with ease while weaving in other sounds, including flute, horns, and sundry synths and organs. While
's stylistic touchstones are certainly at play on
, the album feels less like a band working through their influences and more like one coming fully realized into their own. ~ Matt Collar