White Denim

Last Day of Summer

Austin’s White Denim makes the most of every “staycation.” Like Workout Holiday, the then-power trio’s 2008 European debut, Last Day of Summer was cut between tours and taken from sessions that will comprise the band’s forthcoming third LP for Downtown Records. Despite the circumstances, Summer‘s actually the band’s most consistent work to date, a 12-song collection of squiggly jazz-pop anchored by the romantic inclinations of singer/guitarist James Petralli, whose layered vocals double in each channel. Drummer Josh Block, bassist Steve Terebecki, and new guitarist Austin Jenkins flex their considerable chops in the opening double-time revision of Fits‘ “I’d Have It Just the Way We Were” and a pair of puzzlelike instrumentals featuring guest saxophonist Alex Coke. These Mothers of Reinvention dabble in kaleidoscopic bubblegum pop (“Home Together”) and Western soul (“If You’re Changing”), while landing a certifiable classic in “Tony Fatti.” Currently available as a free download with an optional donation feature, Last Day of Summer dials up a bargain at any price.

***.5

This article appears in November 26 • 2010.

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