10 songs: The Afghan Whigs pare 22 tracks for new album

The Afghan Whigs released their tenth studio album, Soft Control, in August through Royal Cream and BMG. The project represents a distillation of the band’s four-decade history, narrowing a pool of 22 initial compositions down to a final ten tracks. Frontman Greg Dulli stated that the reduction was necessary to find a cohesive collection of songs that could function together.

The album reflects a shift in the band’s sonic approach. The first half features immediate, guitar-driven arrangements intended for live performance. The second half utilizes more atmospheric production and studio experimentation. Dulli noted that this structure allows the band to separate the songs they will play in concert from those that rely on a more produced, esoteric sound.

Dulli’s creative process relies on blurring the lines between voice and instrument. He described using the human voice to carry emotion without relying on traditional lyrics. On the track "Memphis, Texas," vocalist and violist Petra Haden provides sustained backing vocals. Dulli compared her ability to hold long notes to opera singing, calling her one of the greatest singers currently active.

The recording took place across studios in Joshua Tree, New Orleans, East Hollywood, and Cincinnati. Specific tracks demonstrate the band’s experimental approach. The synthesizer part on "Jungle Roux" originated from a recording mistake. "Duvateen" evolved from a guitar riff inspired by Keith Richards into a sprawling arrangement featuring Dulli’s falsetto. Brass arrangements, including a trumpet line on "The Deepest Part of the Darkest Shadow," add further texture to the record.

Dulli attributes the band’s eclectic style to his childhood exposure to soul music. He listened to records with his mother, who was a teenager when he was born. He recalled that this early foundation influenced his musical instincts from his time in Ohio to his current career. He stated that these memories never disappear and are essential to his creative output.

The band reformed in 2012 after a 12-year hiatus. During their spring tour, Dulli arranged the set list to include opening songs from seven different albums. He described this practice as a way to connect his past artistic identity with his current one. He insisted on only performing songs he felt strongly about, citing a desire for honesty with the audience.

The Afghan Whigs will begin the North American leg of their Soft Control tour at The Beacham in Orlando. The performance is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Night Moves, a Minneapolis psychedelic rock band, will support the Whigs. Dulli expressed enthusiasm for sharing the bill with the group, calling them one of his favorite bands.

Tickets for the Orlando show range from $30 to $40. The band has developed a specific approach to lighting and visual presentation for these performances. Dulli said the goal is to transform the venue atmosphere without using elaborate stage production, describing the upcoming visual style as simple and elegant.