White Denim, one of the most dynamic rock bands to emerge in the 2000s, is set to open a thrilling new chapter with their twelfth studio album, simply titled ‘12’, releasing on December 6 via Bella Union. The band burst onto the scene from Austin, Texas, in 2008 with their energetic post-punk hits. Frontman James Petralli has since navigated various line-ups and seamlessly blended elements of soul, jazz, and Southern rock, maintaining an authentic, spontaneous feel. The new album marks a bold shift towards ’70s garage rock, highlighted by Petralli’s emotive vocals. The lead single, “Light On,” delves into the challenges of keeping faith during tough times.
Petralli explains, “‘Light On’ was the first track I composed for this album. Its form took shape while I was playing my son’s guitar, both of us squeezed onto his twin mattress, with my partner reading to us from my daughter’s bed across the room. The song draws inspiration from both Shel Silverstein and Elvin Jones. Throughout the years of creating this album, this particular song served as a reminder to stay positive and continue creating, regardless of the possible outcomes.”
You can watch “Light On” below:
Musically influenced by artists like Nick Lowe, Jonathan Richman, Doug Sahm, and Joe Jackson, *12* showcases Petralli stepping out of his low-tech comfort zone to chronicle a turbulent and sometimes painful period for his family. Like many musicians, the pandemic prompted Petralli to re-evaluate his home life and creative process. After returning to Austin to care for his partner Elaine’s father, who passed away in spring 2021, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where Petralli took on homeschooling their children, writing whenever he could find the time. The new album’s yacht rock-inspired uplifting melodies reflect these challenging times through Petralli’s optimistic, glass-half-full perspective.