The Afghan Whigs are back with a new album, Soft Control, and a tour to match. This is a big deal for fans of the long-running rock group, who have been eagerly awaiting their return after a four-year hiatus. But what makes this album and tour so significant, and what can we expect from the Afghan Whigs as they embark on this new chapter? Let's dive in and explore the story behind Soft Control, the band's 10th studio album, and their upcoming tour.
A New Chapter for the Afghan Whigs
The Afghan Whigs have been a staple of the rock scene for decades, with their unique blend of garage rock, indie, and alternative sounds. Their last album, How Do You Burn?, was released in 2017, and the band has been on a hiatus ever since. But now, they're back with a new album and a fresh perspective on their music.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Soft Control is the band's decision to take the album's title from a David Bowie quote. Bowie described aging as a gradual process during which you become the person you were meant to be. This sentiment resonated with Greg Dulli, the band's frontman, who explains how it gifted him additional confidence. "I was an angry young man, and it fueled my art, ambition, and my drive. I wouldn't change anything because I can't. But as I got into photography and other art forms, I realized that I'm not in competition with anyone – including myself. Now, I know what I'm doing and there's a quiet confidence that comes with being able to back it up."
This new perspective on life and art is reflected in the album's sound, which is more introspective and experimental than their previous work. The album was recorded across multiple sessions in four different locations, and the band winnowed the tracklist down to 10 songs, including the lead single "Jungle Roux" and the track "House of I."
A Tour to Match
The Afghan Whigs will be heading out on the road this fall, with a tour that takes them across Europe and North America. They're joined on the first leg by British singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, while the Minneapolis-based psych-rock band Night Moves tags along for the North American leg. The tour dates are as follows:
- July 10-10 Brugge, Belgium - Cactus Festival #
- September 7-19 Leeds, England - Stylus #
- September 20 Nottingham, England - The Palais #
- September 22 Glasgow, Scotland - SWG3 Galvanizers #
- September 23 Manchester, England - O2 Ritz #
- September 24 London, England - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire #
- September 26 Brighton, England - Chalk #
- September 27 Paris, France - Trabendo #
- September 28 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso #
- September 30 Cologne, Germany - Luxor #
- October 1 Liege, Belgium - OM #
- October 3 Eindhoven, Netherlands #
- October 4 Antwerp, Belgium - De Roma #
- October 5 Brussels, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique #
- November 4 Orlando, FL - Beacham Theater @
- November 5 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse @
- November 7 Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle @
- November 8 Baltimore, MD - BaltimoreSoundStage @
- November 10 Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw @
- November 11 Toronto, Ontario - The Concert Hall @
- November 13 Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue @
- November 14 Chicago, IL - The Metro @
- November 15 St. Louis, MO - Delmar Hall @
- November 19 New Orleans, LA - House of Blues @
- November 20 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater @
- November 21 Austin, TX - Scoot Inn @
A New Sound and a New Perspective
The Afghan Whigs' new album and tour are a testament to the band's ability to evolve and grow, even after decades in the industry. Their new sound is more introspective and experimental, and their tour is a celebration of their new chapter in life and art. But what does this mean for the band's future, and what can we expect from them in the years to come?
In my opinion, the Afghan Whigs are a band that has always been ahead of their time, and their new album and tour are a testament to that. They've managed to stay relevant and innovative, even as the music industry has changed around them. But what makes them truly fascinating is their ability to connect with their fans on a deeper level, and to create music that is both timeless and relevant.
As they embark on this new chapter, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for the Afghan Whigs. Will they continue to push the boundaries of their sound, or will they settle into a more comfortable niche? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Afghan Whigs are a band that will continue to captivate and inspire their fans for years to come.
