WHITE DENIM - 13

Restless but ever tenacious, James Petralli once again indulges in his messy mix of psych-pop, funky-rock, soft-soul and southern rock.

From the title alone, “13” signals a will to carry on from the previous album “12”, but numerology aside, this time the overriding impression is that the musician had fun confusing the listener with fanciful, bizarre instrumental digressions.

“On the thirteenth day God created White Denim”: so opens “13”, a firecracker of a start where rock, prog, jazz, blues and funk are catapulted into a Captain Beefheart-like dimension on "(God Created) Lock And Key", and it's only the first sign of a successful fusion of styles that swings from the soft-soul of Bobby Caldwell's "Only A Fool" to the exhilarating calypso/dub groove of "Keep Calling Me (Baby)".

For the Los Angeles band, this new album is a celebration of music as pure creative pleasure. Influences and references aren't venial sins here, but rather integral to music that builds real bridges between black music and glam rock on the sprightly "Chew Nails", often chases the perfect pop-black music alchemy of Stevie Wonder ("Time Time", "Crossfire"), and isn't averse to dipping into the most typical American music ("Earth To").

“13” is a record brimming with positivity and lightness, yet never superficial. The formula, though well-tested, is never trite, and the notable guests - Owen Pallett, Jesse Chandler and Dawes - all shine, with the whole thing holding together with coherence and good taste.

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30/05/2026