12＜Colored Vinyl＞

The ever-evolving Austin band White Denim embrace a sophisticated jazz- and funk-infused sound on their aptly titled 12th album, 2024s 12. Led by singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist James Petralli, White Denim have grown from a raucous punk trio into soulful purveyors of a jam band-friendly style of 70s- and early-80s-inspired rock. Its 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.). 12 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 groups best work. However, its when you get to the synthy, liquid-bass-heavy anthem "Look Good" that Petralli and White Denim really start getting into the groove. The song is punctuated by two guest spots from fellow Texas artists Tameca Jones and Jessie Payo, both of whose throaty, highly resonant vocals contrast perfectly with Petrallis, 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 and Steve Winwood covering a Stevie Wonder song. Theres also the shimmering midtempo track "Hand Out Giving," which brings to mind the yearning country-gospel sound of the Band. Thankfully, Petralli has a distinctively burnished and soulful voice all his own and never sounds too indebted to any one artist. Similarly, as a group White Denim 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 White Denims stylistic touchstones are certainly at play on 12, the album feels less like a band working through their influences and more like one coming fully realized into their own. ~ Matt Collar