Last night, White Denim performed their second show ever with a new-look lineup for their return to Los Angeles at the Teragram Ballroom. Led by guitarist and singer James Petralli, the once-trio-turned-quartet-turned-quintet has expanded again–with the addition of vibes and percussion–to a six-piece ensemble. The sextet entertained the near-capacity crowd with two hours of dazzling White Denim, touching down on various favorites and deeper cuts from the Austin, Texas-bred band.

Petralli launched the two-dozen-song set with a more recent offering, “Sky Beaming,” making the newly formatted band’s assets immediately apparent with a decidedly more atmospheric slant. They stayed true through the first several numbers–“King Tears” and “Take It Easy” (Ever After Lasting Love)”–with conspicuous shifts in tempo and tone. On “Cheer Up/Blues Ending,” Petralli and guitarist Cat Clemons reverted back to the dual six-string crunch of the classic White Denim sound; the packed house almost in unison raised their cell phones to capture the moment, as the heavy shuffle dovetailed into a Matt Young’s workout on drums.

Trademark White Denim segues made appearances as well.  Perhaps none more apparent than a caffeinated finish that launched after Petralli coyly said they’d play a few more, “and then we’re going to leave.”  Beginning with “At Night In Dreams,” the six blistered through “Had 2 Know (Personal),” “Fine Slime,” and “Holda You (I’m Psycho)” the breakneck pace they shredded through nearly eclipsed Petralli’s rapid-fire vocal delivery.  Sure enough, White Denim was done, ducking out without an encore just before curfew.

In between were notable readings of “A Place To Start,” showcasing Michael Hunter’s tasteful keyboard work, and a thunderous “At The Farm,” which displayed the guitar synchronicity and visceral power of Clemons and Petralli that had been a staple throughout the 120-minute appearance.  With this successful L.A. visit and the previous night’s tour opening, sold-out stop in San Diego behind them, the newly configured White Denim have eight shows remaining on the West Coast docket, including tonight’s show at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.  

For more information, visit www.whitedenimmusic.com.