White Denim Details New Album ’13’ & Shares Visceral Rocker ‘(God Created) Lock And Key’

White Denim returns with a new album, 13, on April 24 through Bella Union. The project’s James Petralli heralded the record with the lead single, “(God Created) Lock And Key.”

While Petralli has largely captained White Denim over the past half decade, he puts importance on those who have helped him shape the project along the way including original drummer and bassist Josh Block and Steve Terebecki respectively, along with band members Michael Hunter (keyboards) and Matt Young (drums, percussion).

“I wouldn’t call a project White Denim if it didn’t include significant contributions from another founding member of the group,” Petralli stated. “’12’ and ’13’ both feature Josh and Steve in various capacities. I recorded and arranged these last two records for the most part, but I really don’t ever want to be alone. Music has given me a place and purpose in this world. And it’s been the primary way I’ve connected with other people over the years.”

While White Denim was founded in Austin, Texas, Petralli now calls the Los Angeles area home. The record also features his fellow L.A. residents Taylor Goldsmith and Griffin Goldsmith of Dawes. Additionally, Petralli’s work in his home studio caught the attention of another collaborator, O’Connor Hartnett, who created the music video for 13 opener and lead single, “(God Created) Lock And Key.”

“I have spent the better part of the last five years working in a home studio on my own,” Petralli said. “The music has become the mirror. There are aspects there that I like to look at and then there are other aspects. Lock and Key for me is an exploration of some of those other aspects. My neighbor O’Connor Hartnett lives 20 feet from my studio and happens to be a talented director of photography. He is, due mostly to proximity, intimately familiar with my process as well as the daily life of my family. This work is a result of his vision and creativity and our connection as neighbors living in a community that is rebuilding after a very difficult year.”

“This is a Captain Beefheart / Sun Ra sort of thing,” Petralli added of his latest single. “I hope that it’s a somewhat terrifying, startling, and visceral piece for everyone that hears it.”

Watch the music video for “(God Created) Lock And Key” below:

White Denim also announced late spring tour dates, which will take the band through Nevada, Colorado and Texas. Routing and ticket info below.

13 Tracklist:

1. (God Created) Lock and Key
2. Chew Nails
3. Only A Fool
4. Time Time
5. Crossfyre
6. Keep Calling Me (Baby)
7. Earth To
8. That’s Rap
9. Hired Hand #2
10. Ruby
11. Matchbook Baby
12. Quiet Moment
13. Drive Trucks