White Denim are bringing sexy back with their sixth album, ‘Stiff’. Throughout, the band’s unashamed love for the sounds of the ‘70s gets amorous with flirting funk, dirty blues rock and romantic soul tunes.
The three tracks already released, Had 2 Know (Personal), Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah), and Holda You (I’m Psycho), which open the album, cover familiar White Denim ground. They are played at breakneck speed, with Ethan Johns’ traditional, direct-to-tape production of these riotous garage-rock tracks managing to capture the full force and energy of the band.
Johns continues to work his magic, as he did with Kings of Leon, the Vaccines, and Laura Marling, on Mirrored In Reverse, a big, bluesy stadium rocker with a massive opening guitar riff and a powerful vocal from frontman James Petralli. It's with tracks like this the band could see more mainstream success.
‘Stiff’ also sees White Denim delve more deeply into funk and soul than ever before. Take It Easy (Ever After Lasting Love) finds Petralli’s mighty voice now softly wooing you by candlelight and hitting all the high notes while a delicate and floating guitar pulls at the heartstrings.
(I’m The One) Big Big Fun, though, sees his vocals reduced to a teasing whisper alongside the patter of hand drums and freewheeling guitar melody. It’s a testament to the band that they manage to tread a delicate line that allows them play with the cheesiest side of the ‘70s and yet also be sincere.
Their musicianship is clearly impressive, managing to be both precise and loose. They eschew the egotism of their original influences, reining in the guitar solos, and like the perfect summer fling it never outstays its welcome. This is certainly the band’s most commercial album to date, yet it retains all the energy, musical chops and, most importantly, fun that’s gained them popularity over the years.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
