Monday night saw the long awaited, eagerly anticipated, lip smacking, thirst quenching, downright exciting return of White Denim. Their gig at King’s College drew a mixed crowd of geeky types, rockers, curious girls and boys and even a couple of studious, elderly chaps…
After setting up their own gear, the band plugged in and blasted off with Bess Street, from their new album ‘D’. Sounding like a beautiful collision of The Grateful Dead, Red Hot Chili Peppers and some undiscovered futuristic space-punk outfit, the notable first impression was how well new guitarist Austin Jenkins has slotted into the band. His interplay with vocalist/guitarist James Petralli was enthralling, and the shit eating grins on the faces of the two of them was a site to behold. The rhythm section of drummer Josh Block, and wing-eel fingered bassist Steve Terebecki not so much held down the sound, as nailed it to the floor before tearing it up and hurling it into a tornado.
I’d like to say that this was rock music of the highest calibre, but it was so much more than that. A show that ranks next to Deerhunter in the best of the year so far category. In summation, all we can do is recommend you buy the band’s records, and DON’T MISS THEM NEXT TIME. In the meantime, go to the website HERE for some glorious free material, and loads of stuff besides.
Thursday brought the equally appealing prospect of Kurt Vile, with his excellent band The Violators. Playing a 95 minute set to a packed-to-the-rafters Corsica Studios, the 300 strong crowd were treated to full tilt rockers, bittersweet acoustic paeons and even a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Downbound Train’. A Neil Young for his generation? Don’t be surprised to see these guys headlining large theatres this time next year.
Check out ‘Baby’s Arms’ from the excellent ‘Smoke Ring For My Halo’ here:
And here’s the stuff we’ve been listening to whilst writing reviews, and in moments of post-gig reflection:
MILES DAVIS – Sketches Of Spain (1960)
SARABETH TUCEK – Get Well Soon (2011)
TONY JOE WHITE – Black And White (1968)
DWIGHT TWILLEY BAND – Sincerely (1976)
TORO Y MOI – Underneath The Pine (2011)
AL GREEN – The Belle Album (1977)
WHITE DENIM – Exposion (2008) and D (2011)
ARETHA FRANKLIN – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You (1967)
THE MIDDLE EAST – I Want That You Are Always Happy (2011)
MERLE HAGGARD & THE STRANGERS – I’m A Lonesome Fugitive (1967)
THE BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE – Give It Back! (1997)
GEORGE HARRISON – All Things Must Pass (1970)
BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD – Last Time Around (1968)
TIMBER TIMBRE – Timber Timbre (2010)
SIMON & GARFUNKEL – Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970)
BUZZCOCKS – Another Music In A Different Kitchen (1978)
RASPBERRIES – Starting Over (1974)
BONGWATER – Power Of Pussy (1990)
SANDY DENNY – Like An Old Fashioned Waltz (1973)
BON IVER – Bon Iver (2011)
EDDIE KENDRICKS – Eddie Kendricks (1973)
TALKING HEADS – Fear Of Music (1979)
BATTLES – Gloss Drop (2011)
THE ASSOCIATION – Along Comes The Association (1966)
KURT VILE – Smoke Ring For My Halo’ (2011)
LEE DORSEY – Yes We Can (1970)
BOB DYLAN – Down In The Groove (1988)
CONNAN MOCKASIN – Forever Dolphin Love (2011)
