It is rare to go to a gig where the performance is seamless and the energy is relentless throughout a near two-hour set. This, however, is exactly what Texas rockers, White Denim, managed to achieve with their phenomenal show at Leeds Beckett’s Student Union. 

White Denim embarked on their UK tour earlier this month, debuting 2018’s excellent seventh studio album, Performance, and teasing the audience with new record, Side Effects set for release in March. Support from the evening came from the incredible B.C. Camplight (Brian Christinzio) who delivered a heartfelt and personal performance. Tracks from his latest album, Deportation Blues, proved to be the main highlight, particularly when Christinzio encouraged a cry of despair towards Brexit by dedicating ‘Fire in England’ to Theresa May’s prohibition of him residing in the UK.

B.C. Camplight set the bar high but White Denim did not disappoint. They launched into the set with ‘Backseat Driver’ and ‘Moves on’, showcasing their infectious sound, which transcends the boundaries of psychedelia, blues and rock. The changes between songs throughout the night were flawless with slick riffs, strong bass and tight drums. Original members of the band, frontman James Petralli and bassist Steve Tribecki, were joined on stage by newest members Greg Clifford on drums and Michael Hunter on keyboard. All are incredibly talented musicians and had the audience completely hypnotised throughout their two-hour set. 

Amongst the huge setlist, the songs that received the greatest response included the classic 2008 single ‘Shake Shake Shake’ and the electrifying ‘Pretty Green’. Despite the pleads from the audience, because of playing a multitude of tunes back to back, White Denim ran out of time for an encore and simply played right up until the curfew. White Denim exited the stage leaving the audience exhilarated and impatient for the release of more music in March.