White Denim

White Denim is a US rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2006. The group is centred on James Petralli, who handles vocals and guitar, with Joshua Block on drums and Steve Terebecki on bass. Its sound is described as combining indie rock, psychedelic rock, garage rock, blues and jazz elements.

Formation and early line-up

The band forms out of two earlier Austin groups, Parque Touch and Peach Train. In 2005, those bands play a show together at Beerland in Austin. After that performance, Steve Terebecki is asked to join on bass, and the group expands to four members under pseudonyms: Lucas Anderson as Byshop Massive, James Petralli as Bop English, Josh Block as Nicholas Mallard, and Steve Terebecki as Terry Beckins. In February 2006, Lucas Anderson moves to Russia, and the remaining trio takes the name White Denim.

Recordings and releases

White Denim begins recording punk-infused psychedelic blues-rock in Josh Block’s 1940s Spartan trailer while playing the Austin circuit. In 2007, the band self-releases its first EP, Let’s Talk About It, on 7-inch only, with the tracks later made available digitally. While touring in 2007, it records a second album and sells it at shows as the nine-song tour EP Workout Holiday. That release brings the band to the attention of RCRD LBL, which releases three re-recorded songs from Workout Holiday as an EP, issued as individual MP3 tracks over the first part of 2008.

The band also signs to the UK label Full Time Hobby for an overseas release. Its first release on that label is the single “Let’s Talk About It” b/w “Darksided Computer Mouth”. White Denim’s debut album, Workout Holiday LP, follows in 2008 and includes re-recorded material from its first two self-released EPs alongside new tracks. The band also records a debut US full-length LP titled Exposion, originally sold on CD-R as 11 Songs during a spring 2008 tour and planned for self-release on vinyl and digital formats.

Style and writing approach

James Petralli describes the songs as musical versions of abstract paintings or philosophical writing. He says he is drawn to abstract reading, poetry and avant-garde prose, and that he tries to turn visual impressions and patterns into musical phrases.

Activity and recognition

White Denim tours extensively and plays shows including SXSW and CMJ Music Marathon. The band receives the Austin Music Awards title of Best New Band in 2008.