Embrace Evolution: The Afghan Whigs' Transformative Journey with 'Soft Control'
A Highly Anticipated Return: 'Soft Control' Arrives
After a four-year hiatus, Greg Dulli's acclaimed rock ensemble, The Afghan Whigs, is set to unveil their new album, titled Soft Control, on August 21st. The record will be available through Royal Cream/BMG, and fans can get a first taste with the lead single, "Jungle Roux."
Crafting the Sound: A Multi-Location Production
Soft Control stands as the band's tenth studio album, following their previous work, How Do You Burn?. The creation process involved extensive recording sessions conducted in four distinct locations: Fireside Sound in Joshua Tree, Marigny Studios in New Orleans, Gold Diggers Sound in East Hollywood, and Sycamore in Cincinnati. From an initial pool of 22 tracks, the band meticulously refined the selection down to a concise ten-song tracklist, which includes the previously released single, "House of I."
The Philosophical Core: David Bowie's Influence
The album's title, Soft Control, draws its inspiration from a profound observation by the late music icon, David Bowie, who described the aging process as a gradual alignment with one's authentic self. Frontman Greg Dulli elaborates on how this sentiment empowered him, stating that his younger years were characterized by a fierce drive and ambition that fueled his artistic endeavors. However, through exploring other creative outlets like photography, he discovered a newfound sense of quiet confidence, realizing that his artistic journey is no longer a competition but a testament to his evolved capabilities.
The Road Ahead: Extensive Fall Tour Plans
In support of their new album, The Afghan Whigs will embark on an expansive tour across Europe and North America this fall. The European leg will feature British singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt as a supporting act. For the North American dates, the Minneapolis-based psych-rock band Night Moves will join them. These performances are scheduled to run from mid-September through late November, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.
A Look Back: Honoring a Legacy
Fans interested in delving deeper into the band's history can revisit The Afghan Whigs' 1992 album, Congregation, which is featured in the esteemed list of "The 25 Best Grunge Albums of the ’90s," showcasing their enduring impact on the rock genre.
Unveiling the Tracklist: A Glimpse into 'Soft Control'
The album Soft Control comprises ten compelling tracks, each contributing to the overarching narrative and sonic landscape of the record. The complete tracklist includes: 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, and 10 A Simulation.
Connecting with the Music: Tour Dates and Special Guests
The detailed itinerary for The Afghan Whigs' fall tour features a series of engagements across various cities. The European segment, marked with a '#', includes performances in Brugge, Leeds, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, London, Brighton, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, Liege, Eindhoven, Antwerp, and Brussels. The North American leg, denoted with an '@', will take the band to Orlando, Atlanta, Carrboro, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Toronto, Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Louis, New Orleans, Dallas, and Austin. Ed Harcourt will support the European shows, while Night Moves will open for the North American concerts, creating a dynamic and diverse lineup for attendees.