In recent months, the Afghan Whigs have been slinking back into the frame. March saw the release of "House Of I," the Cincy-founded rock legends' first new original song in four years. In April, they followed that up with another new track, "Duvateen," just before heading out on their 40th anniversary tour. Now comes a third song along with news that these tunes are part of Soft Control, the Whigs' follow-up to 2022's How Do You Burn?
The new LP is coming in August, and it leads off with "Jungle Roux," the song out today. The Whigs recorded it in several locales — Fireside Sound in Joshua Tree, Marigny Studios in New Orleans, Gold Diggers Sound in East Hollywood, and Sycamore in Cincinnati — reportedly tracking 22 songs and discarding some true heaters because they didn't fit within the reportedly "taut" 37-minute sequence. So I guess maybe that means they've got an Amnesiac on deck? Or a bunch of fantastic B-sides? Guests on the album include former Whigs drummer Patrick Keeler, Petra Haden, My Morning Jacket's Bo Koster, and more.
Frontman Greg Dulli offered this statement on the album:
I've worked hard on my inner peace. 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.
Hear "Jungle Roux" below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Jungle Roux"
02 "House Of I"
03 "Duvateen"
04 "My Lover"
05 "The Deepest Part Of The Darkest Shadow"
06 "Mariah Luster"
07 "Memphis, Texas"
08 "77"
09 "Loose Talk"
10 "A Simulation"
Soft Control is out 8/21 on Royal Cream/BMG. Pre-order it here.
