By Alex Felsinger
White Denim‘s bluesy anthems evoke the Minutemen, but they replace the irreverent attitude with an unrelenting and refined drive found in the likes of Kings of Leon or the Thermals. They’ve been tearing up every venue in Austin, Texas, a town so saturated with indie rock that only the most unique make their presence known outside of the Sixth Street clubs.
Their only release, a five-song 7-inch EP, takes full advantage of the analog format and provides a rough-around-the-edges barrage of fist-pumping fun. On the mic, vocalist and guitarist James Petralli yelps and shouts like Lil’ Richard while bassist Steve Terebecki writhes and dances along – not only do these guys know how to play rock ‘n’ roll right, but they can work a crowd like at a 1950s high school prom.
White Denim play Noise Pop with Holy Fuck, A Place to Bury Strangers, and Veil Veil Varnish. Feb. 29, 9 p.m., $10. Bottom of the Hill, 1233 17th St., SF.