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White Denim's 2016 Album, 'Stiff' Brings the Funk



You know what you don’t hear enough of these days? Good, old fashioned funk. While rock is on the upswing, there just aren’t that many artists tapping into this ooey-gooey genre...Or so I thought. Recently, while deep down the rabbit hole of Youtube, I came across White Denim. While I was first amused by their name, I came to find that they had something I had been searching for, far and wide. They had the funk. Clean wah tones, quackin’ bass, and some big, fat snare. All that and more from these fellas.

Hailing from Austin, Texas, the group is comprised of James Petralli, vocals, and guitar, Jeff Olson on drums, Steven Terebecki, slappin’ the bass, and Jonathan Horne playing guitar. Having released their debut album, Workout Holiday, in 2008, they have since, released 6 additional albums, their latest, Stiff, which dropped this March. Having lost drummer, Josh Block and guitarist Austin Jenkins in 2015 to work on Leon Bridges' debut album Coming Home, Jonathan Horne and Jeff Olson have since joined the band, adding a hell of an edge to their sound.


Without further ado, here are my track-by-track first-listen thoughts on White Denim's Stiff:

Had 2 Know [Personal] - Chock-full of killer riffs and funky undertones, this track is evocative of Thin Lizzy in earlier years. Brimming with attitude, the track skillfully adds a contemporary element to a very familiar and celebrated sound.

Ha Ha Ha Ha [Yeah] - Pure funk drumming, slappin’ the bass like nobody’s business, and some really tasty tambo. This track features elements of psychedelic rock that may make you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1968.

Holda You [I'm Psycho] - This track incorporates heavy Southern rock influences, all the while really bringing the boogie. Rivaling the Allman Brothers’ Band for its jam-style quality, the song comes to a head with a face-melting guitar solo of Duane Allman proportions.

There’s a Brain in my Head - Equal parts funky and psychedelic, Petralli’s distorted vocals bring us right back to the golden age of rock. Jeff Olson is a busy little bee, really laying down that funk on skins in this track. With some organ thrown in the mix for good measure, I’d imagine this tune would pair well with recreational activities.

Take it Easy [Ever After Lasting Love] - Alright, alright. This one is pure boot-knockin’ funk. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Petralli’s sexy falsetto will caress your delicate little eardrums, leaving you weak in the knees. I detect some Marvin Gaye on this track, and to say it puts a smile on my face would be the understatement of the century.

I’m the One Big Big Fun - Big juicy bass leading the tune with some subtle hand drums in the back of the mix. Very reminiscent of Sly and the Family Stone.

Real Deal Momma - Aren’t White Denim’s titles fun? This tune has some real nice Southern sass and a whole lotta energy. Bordering on riff rock, this track is fun as hell, with even more tasty tambo, to boot.

Mirrored in Reverse - This track is what happens when Southern and Psychedelic rock joins together to create a beautiful, badass lovechild with again, a hint of funk (from his father’s side). Really channelling Hendrix on this one, guys.

Thank You - Satan on a ‘72 - does Jeff Olson ever show off his chops on this track. The song sounds pretty similar to Steely Dan with some very cool jazzy psychedelia leading, again, into some soul-scorching funk. Of all the songs on Stiff, I’d say this tune shows the true breadth of their musicianship. With its dreamy vocals and syncopated structure, it is way easy to get lost in this track.

My final thoughts on the album are probably a little biased since I really dig the funky vibe they've got going for them, but I strongly encourage you all to check out their new album. I promise - you will not be disappointed.

Until next time, stay groovy.

-A

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