Album review: White Denim, Corsicana Lemonade (Downtown)

With Corsicana Lemonade, the rampant diversity of White Denim takes a turn away from the fiery acid-punk math-rock explorations of previous releases, into mellower territory which singer/guitarist James Petralli describes as “a barbecue record”. There are still bursts of virtuoso playing, broadened to include electric piano, organ and mellotron; but they're reined into more fluid, melodic songs that recall the Southern country-funk boogie of Little Feat and the Allman Brothers Band, and the goodtime grooves of Steve Miller, an influence audible in the twirling guitar riffs of “Come Back”. The lyrics dwell on age, family and endurance, but the backporch party vibe imparts a warm glow to proceedings.

Download: At Night in Dreams; Come Back; Distant Relative Salute; Pretty Green