White Denim have never been a band content with standing still, and their latest album 13, out now via Bella Union, continues that restless evolution. Arriving April 24, the record leans into a rich blend of rock, funk, soul, and dubby textures, while still carrying the band’s signature looseness and experimental edge.
At its core, 13 is an album about growth, personal, musical, and generational, now that Frontman James Petralli has children of his own. Petralli frames the project through the lens of family and self-reflection, writing candidly about fatherhood, responsibility, and the push to break cycles. That emotional grounding gives the record weight, even as it moves through bright, groove-forward arrangements.
Tracks like “Time Time” showcase that balance. Built on warm horns and a laid-back rhythmic pocket, the song feels effortless but intentional—a meditation on priorities and presence. It’s a continuation of the sonic palette explored on 2024’s 12, but more refined, more lived-in.
Sonically, 13 stands out for its sense of exploration. The album jumps between styles without ever feeling disjointed, pulling from sunshine pop, blues, and calypso-influenced rhythms. It’s a testament to Petralli’s production style and approach, constantly searching, layering, and reshaping sounds into something that feels both familiar to old White Denim fans and new at the same time.
Equally notable is the sense of community embedded throughout the project. The album leans into collaboration and shared musical language, showcasing the network of players and influences that have shaped White Denim’s sound over the years. That sense of shared energy is especially present in the keyboard work from Michael Hunter, whose playing stands out throughout. Drawing on the psychedelic synth textures he’s explored with Mamalarky, Hunter pushes those ideas even further here, adding a vibrant, exploratory layer that helps define 13’s more expansive moments. There’s a clear throughline of experimentation, but also a cohesion that suggests a deeper artistic vision taking shape. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Petralli push this even further, building future projects that fully lean into the distinct sonic worlds hinted at across this record.
With a national tour kicking off later this month and dates stretching through the U.S. and Europe, White Denim are set to bring that dynamic energy to the stage. If 13 is any indication, their live show will be just as fluid, unpredictable, and groove-driven as the album itself.
Tour Dates – TICKETS
5/28: Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive
5/29: Wells, NV @ Schellraiser Presents: Humboldt Hideaway
5/31: Boulder, CO @ The Velvet Elk
6/2: First Collins, CO @ Washington’s
6/3: Denver, CO @ Marquis
6/5: Dallas, TX @ AM/FM
6/6: Austin, TX @ Central Machine Works
7/7: Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
7/8: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
7/10: Sebastopol, CA @ Hopmonk Tavern
7/11: Camino, CA @ Folk On The Farm – Delfino Farms
7/12: San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
7/13: Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe's Alley
7/14: Ojai, CA @ Deer Lodge
7/16: Los Angeles, CA @ Sid the Cat Auditorium
8/27: Belfast, UK @ Limelight 2
8/28: Dublin, Ireland @ Whelan's
8/30: Glasgow, UK @ Classic Grand
8/31: Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny
9/1: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
9/2: Bristol, UK @ The Fleece
9/4: Brighton, UK @ Brighton Psych Fest
9/5: Manchester, UK @ Manchester Psych Fest
9/7: London, UK @ Moth Club
9/8: London, UK @ Moth Club
9/10: London, UK @ Moth Club
9/12: Asten Heusden, Netherlands @ Misty Fields Festival
9/13: Cologne, Germany @ MTC
9/14: Hamburg, Germany @ Molotow Club
9/15: Utrecht, Netherlands @ De Helling
9/18: Barcelona, Spain @ Upload
9/20: Madrid, Spain @ El Sol
10/1: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
10/2: Asheville, NC @ Burnpile Pre-Party – Eulogy
10/3: Raleigh, NC @ Kings
10/5: Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall
10/6: Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
10/7: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/8: Boston, MA @ Deep Cuts
10/9: Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground – Showcase Lounge
10/10: Northampton, MA @ The Iron Horse
10/12: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
10/13: Evanston, IL @ Space
