D cover

D

White Denim · 2011

37 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant fusion of psychedelic rock, funk grooves, and intricate instrumentation that challenges traditional song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's Him! Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    At the Farm — This track captivates with its intricate arrangement and playful tempo shifts, embodying the album's adventurous spirit while showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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    Drug — With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, Drug stands out as a highlight that balances lyrical introspection with an upbeat musicality, capturing listeners' attention.
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    Anvil Everything — The song delivers a punchy rhythm paired with sharp lyrics that critique materialism, encapsulating the band's ability to mix thought-provoking themes with energetic sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's genre-blending and intricate arrangements create a distinctive sound that stands out in indie rock.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt tempo changes, with several tracks shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more contemplative moments.
  • Instrumentation often includes complex guitar riffs layered with brass and synthesizers, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • Tracks frequently incorporate unconventional song structures, such as extended instrumental breaks and unexpected key changes.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • mid-tempo grooves for easy listening
  • steady flow for focused work
  • inviting soundscapes for casual chats
  • pleasant background for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — D is widely regarded as a high point in White Denim's artistic development.
Themes
materialism critique· psychedelic experimentation· groove-driven introspection
Career context
Released in January 2011, D marked White Denim's fourth studio album and followed their critically acclaimed record, Fits. At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation for genre-blending experimentation while also showcasing a refined sound that attracted a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Tame Impala· The Black Angels· MGMT

Tracklist

  • 1 It's Him! Start here 3:22
  • 2 Burnished 2:36
  • 3 At the Farm 3:58
  • 4 Street Joy 3:36
  • 5 Anvil Everything 3:59
  • 6 River to Consider 5:00
  • 7 Drug 3:03
  • 8 Bess St. 3:39
  • 9 Is and Is and Is 3:45
  • 10 Keys 4:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata