The FADER Magazine F2 Issue 2 May 2008

Rock & Roll Traditionals
White Denim conjure mammoths and memories

During the New York Times’ coverage of this year’s South by Southwest festival, long-time music writer Jon Pareles described White Denim’s rock & roll rumble as ineffably Texan. “Our gear dictates our sound much more than our intentions. We’re an Austin band, but I don’t really hear an Austin sound,” responds James Petralli—guitarist, vocalist and one third of the band. “I don’t know what [an Austin sound] might be,” he continues. “Could the 13th Floor Elevators be considered Texas garage rock?” Drummer Josh Block answers his bandmate’s question with a definite and definitive, “Hell yeah.”

Though White Denim has a reputation for garage rock, they don’t make it in a garage. Coming from three distinct sonic disciplines (Block studied jazz, bassist Steve Terebecki played classical violin and Petralli is a self-described folk guy), the trio makes their noise in an old trailer in nearby Driftwood that Block uses as both a studio space and crash pad. Their process sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon: clock out at work, pack some PB&Js and drive out to breezy hill country to, as Terebecki phrases it, “unleash rockitude” between cigarette and whiskey breaks. Every now and then they throw stones at the birds and trees outside.

With several 7-inches already shaking stereos, a debut full-length due out in June and another album ready for release later this year, White Denim has been grooming their rock mammoths on the road. They’re sure to refresh your memories of hearing classic sounds for the very first time—like when you discovered Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner” the summer before starting junior high or the time your dad popped in Tusk while you were learning to drive. White Denim conjure those rock spirits, from Austin or otherwise.