The Afghan Whigs – Soft Control

Four albums deep into their second act, the Afghan Whigs operate with a freedom that can only be earned by having nothing left to prove. It is even more remarkable that the veteran Cincinnati, Ohio rockers have kept their distinctive flair for four decades, adding a tender, classic-soul touch to their heavy alternative rock. The eleven-year break they took between 2001 and 2012 felt fruitful in a sense, as frontman Greg Dulli’s side projects, Twilight Singers and the Gutter Twins, only proved that he still had the drive to explore a more eclectic mix of sounds.

Ultimately, his approach would seep back into the Whigs’ oeuvre. Especially in their more cinematic side, for lack of a better term, as strings and keyboards add character to albums like 2017’s In Spades, a notable highlight of their late career. For those concerned that they’ve lost their guitar-driven swagger, fear not, as Soft Control features some of the band’s most fiery and uplifting material that fuelled classics like 1965 and Gentlemen.

But before they get there, the Whigs ease into things with the gospel-laden opener “Jungle Roux,” which has Dulli radiating with confidence and zeal. Bassist John Curley, an integral part of their core and only longtime member since the early days, and Dulli provide their signature interplay of crunch and rhythm on “House and I,” adding that additional spark to Dulli’s feral desires: “I’m on fire, baby/Please be, too/Burn your house just for you.” Sensuality has always been central to his style—expressed with a raw, unfiltered quality—but his quiet poise reveals someone who knows himself and knows how to channel it.

One unassuming strength of the Whigs is their penchant for writing brooding ballads. As “The Deepest Part of the Darkest Shadow” and “Mariah Luster” prove, they’re accentuated with dramatic piano chords and opulent horns, respectively. But it’s the harmonica-tinged, mid tempo “Memphis, Texas” that sends this trio of tracks soaring, as Dulli lays bare his yearning passion—fire metaphors and all— beneath a swell of respendent strings. It’s tempting to think that “they don't make them as they used to,” but every time the Whigs swing for the rafters, they evoke a long-lost era when there was still value in shooting for a massive emotional payoff. And all with little time to waste, with only one cut barely surpassing the four-minute mark—a feat they also pull off on “Loose Talk,” which sounds like Tommy Keene backed by a chamber orchestra.

Through all the surging ebbs and flows of Soft Control, “Duvateen” most fully captures Dulli’s present and the essence of his longstanding project. Moving from childhood memories to thoughts of his dying day, he reckons with the past while trying to forge a path forward. Having found some acceptance, he arrives at what may become a lifelong mantra: “All because of me/What’s it gonna be?” And hopefully, that includes guiding the Whigs into a vibrant third act.

Soft Control is out now via Royal Cream, LLC/BMG.