Jack White Quietly Reveals New Album, ‘Frozen Charlotte,’ Via Webstore Presale

Jack White is set to release a new studio album this summer, titled "Frozen Chocolate," which serves as the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2024 record "No Name." Despite the absence of any formal announcement, the project has already been quietly made available for pre-order on his official website. The pre-order page lists two distinct vinyl variants of the LP, with a stated shipping date of July 10, though it remains unclear whether this date applies to other formats or digital editions. A representative for White did not immediately respond to Variety's request for comment on the matter.

This unconventional method of unveiling a new album—via a sales listing rather than a traditional press release or social media campaign—is characteristic of White's penchant for doing things differently. The approach is less dramatic than the surprise release of "No Name," where unmarked white-label copies were secretly slipped into customers' bags at Third Man Records retail locations. According to the product description, "Frozen Chocolate" is White's seventh studio album and showcases the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer at his peak, backed by a formidable band including Patrick Keeler on drums, Dominic Davis on bass, and Bobby Emmett on keyboards. The description notes that the group, fresh off a tour of universally praised performances, channeled their momentum directly into the studio to record the new material. The album was recorded at White's own Third Man Studio in Nashville and is said to carry the same raucous, raw, and frenetic energy as "No Name," featuring 13 tracks that blend intense rock and roll with blues underpinnings. "It's an intense rock and roll punch with never far behind blues underpinnings...all of which fits right at home with long time fans while leaving an inviting open door to newcomers alike," the blurb states.

Two vinyl editions are currently available for pre-order: one featuring a blue swirl pattern and another with a crumpled, creamy appearance. White's social media accounts have not yet posted a formal album announcement, but he has used recent Instagram posts to explain the album's cover art and concept. The cover image originated from an old carnival prize chalkware statue from the 1940s, depicting a sailor boy, which fell over in his recording studio and broke its head. White replaced the head with a nearby blue skull shaker percussion object, painted the body white, and created a new character he named "Frozen Charlotte." The term "frozen Charlotte" refers to a Victorian-era penny doll toy, often ceramic, that could float or be dressed, and is inspired by an old folk song about a girl who froze to death due to improper winter clothing. White explains that he wanted to create a modern version of the 1940s and 1950s chalkware, using 3D-printed plastic. He collaborated with Daniel Birkhead at @pr3nter_inc and Daniel Mancini to scan and CAD file the piece, enabling the creation of multiple avatars, including a male trickster hero version called the "Frozen Charlatan," which has a chrome metallic alter ego. Some versions include the original broken-off sailor's head. Many of these sculptures are on display and for sale at the "These Thoughts May Disappear" exhibition at the Newport Street Gallery in London, UK, running until September 13th.

A single from the album, titled "G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs," was previously released on the Third Man site and quickly sold out, with no indication at the time whether it was a standalone release or a precursor to a full album. The complete tracklist for "Frozen Chocolate" includes: "G.O.D. And The Broken Ribs," "Derecho Demonico," "There's Nobody There," "Raising The Grain," "You'll Never Fix Me," "Nobody Knows," "Dollar Bill," "I Can't Believe What I'm Hearing," "Thick As Thieves," "All Alone Again," "She's In A Frenzy," "Making Contact," and "Neighbors Blues." Fans of White's recent work and newcomers alike can expect an album that continues his tradition of raw, energetic rock with a unique conceptual twist, as evidenced by the elaborate backstory behind the album's artwork and title.