Album Review: Performance, WHITE DENIM

White Denim parted ways with guitarist Austin Jenkins and drummer Josh Block prior to their last album. This seems to have triggered a period of soul searching – one that continues with Performance, as the Texans set their hearts on embracing a looser, jammier sound. I’m not so sure that it works. Touted for big things ever since they first came to wide attention several years ago, the garage-rockers are perenially threatening a major breakthrough without ever actually going supernova. Unfortunately, while Performance may delight the White Denim faithful, it’s unlikely to win new converts to the cause and send the band hurtling towards Royal Blood-style hugeness. This time around, the band welcome two new members into the groove: Conrad Chocroun on drums and Michael Hunter on keys. In musical terms, they both make their mark, especially Chocroun, who is often the driving force of any given piece. But I am still left with the conundrum: what exactly are White Denim supposed to be about? Genre-wise, the record hops around like it’s been made by magpies, but very few tracks linger long in the memory. The whole record has a take-it or leave-it quality, with only ‘Sky Beaming’ qualifying as essential. Disappointing. OUT NOW

Rating: 7/10