David M Rangel / August 20, 2026 / Review
With their 10th album, Soft Control, Cincinnati’s Afghan Whigs are back in much finer form than is typical for most veteran bands returning after an extended hiatus (in this case, four years,), having had much of their success decades ago. Reaching their 40th anniversary as a band, Greg Dulli and company have done little to change the sound that made early albums like Gentlemen stand out among myriad hardly-remembered alternative rock bands. Whereas many bands return after such time lapses with a weaker sound of their former selves, the Whigs recreate past glories with a greater sense of self that measures up to or, arguably, overtakes their best past work.
The usual tones of something cloying and sinister brewing beneath the surface define much of the band’s work and are all over this record. That sound of audio paranoia kicks off the record in the form of “Jungle Roux” coupled with rhythm and blues/gospel style call-and-response style background vocals as guitars snake along steadily and hypnotically as if things are teetering close to the edge and on the verge of falling apart. Dulli dwells as much in the existential anxiety of the psychologically tortured as he does introspective acceptance when he at times takes on the vocal sensitivities of Al Green, as demonstrated in the almost sunny track “Duvateen”. Here Dulli self-examines the life he’s lived and the life he is heading toward to the tune of bright piano riffs and an ending of majestically ringing guitar.
There is a strong vibe of atmospheric airiness in the two word chorus of “My Lover”. The song is a different style of pop, as if a “pop sound“ was defined by negativity rather than happy breeziness. No matter, as the negativity can be close to jangly and seething with a glam rock flavor that delivers a trip that a listener can get lost in. “Memphis, Texas” is as close to cinematic film soundtrack fodder as the album gets. The easy-going cadence almost absorbs the listener, making them wish they were on a moonlight car ride as troubles seem to melt off, even if only temporarily.
What is notable throughout the album is the general looseness in delivery, even in songs that are filled with tension. Gained wisdom, confidence and years of life under their belt have given this band, the ability to perform their style of art with an ease that belies the heaviness of much of the material. Dulli is a chameleonic vocalist who jumps from R&B sounds to unexpected similarities to vocalists like Peter Gabriel, Bob Mould and even The Lemonheads’ Evan Dando. They make musical theater out of dysfunction bringing in a mixture of sounds that transcend the alternative rock style they are generally known for. Remnants of Dulli’s legendary troubled past are present here, but they are not so much powered by anger now as they are by clever creativity.
The Afghan Whigs, have recorded an album that despite its somber and seemingly troubled overtones, contains catchy, even if atypically-sounding major label record style grooves. The songs make it easy for the listener to musically wander, whether the trip is light or foreboding (it’s usually the latter). They fall into that unique group of bands that actually gets better with age. Soft Control gives proof of that and is well worth our time and attention.
The album is out everywhere this Friday, August 21st. Listen to the pre-released singles here.
The Indy Review 