The Afghan Whigs have returned with their fourth album since reuniting, Soft Control, a darkly magnificent work from frontman Greg Dulli, now 61. The album holds its own against earlier masterpieces like 1993's Gentlemen and 1996's Black Love, records that established Dulli as alt-rock's poet of romantic dysfunction. The band's sound, rooted in soul and funk, was always heavier than their grunge-era peers, with Dulli's lyrics depicting lovers in co-dependent cycles of betrayal.
From Altar Boy to Alt-Rock Pioneer
Raised Catholic in Hamilton, Ohio, Dulli was an altar boy who enjoyed the attention. By age 12, he was questioning religion, telling his mother he no longer believed. His upbringing was surrounded by women—his mother, grandmother, and aunts—who were nurturing and supportive. His mother's record collection, featuring Motown 45s and Jesus Christ Superstar, left an indelible influence. His first gig was the 5th Dimension at the Ohio state fair in 1973, sparking his ambition to be a rock star.
After forming the Black Republicans in college, Dulli met John Curley, who joined with guitarist Rick McCollum. Drummer Steve Earle completed the lineup, and the Afghan Whigs played their first rehearsal on Halloween 1986. Their second album, 1990's Up in It, made them one of the first non-Seattle signings to Sub Pop, the label that released Nirvana's debut. Their eclectic live covers, from Sinéad O'Connor to Hall & Oates, built a buzz.
Exploring Male Ego and Feminism
Gentlemen was born from Dulli's stormy relationship, exploring his own hypocrisy and culpability. The album examined male ego, sexuality, and chauvinism. Dulli said, "I had to learn how to be, for lack of a better word, a feminist – to realise, there is another side to this." He drafted Marcy Mays of Scrawl to sing on "My Curse," putting himself in a woman's head. During touring, he struck "Be Sweet" from the setlist, tired of its "dick for a brain" line becoming the pull-quote for every magazine story.
The follow-up, Black Love, fulfilled his concept album ambitions, though it was "wildly misunderstood." After moving to Columbia, 1998's 1965 was a bid for mainstream success, but commercial success didn't arrive. The Whigs parted amicably in 1999, with Dulli pursuing the Twilight Singers and a collaboration with Mark Lanegan.
Usher and the Reunion
In 2012, after Curley guested at Twilight Singers shows, the Whigs reformed. A one-off tour became more when Usher invited the band to back him at SXSW in 2013. The show energized Dulli and Curley, leading to Do to the Beast the following spring. They've continued since.
Soft Control reflects Dulli's acquaintance with mortality, especially after Lanegan's death in 2022. "Mark's for ever my brother. It's heartbreaking; every day, something will happen and I'll want to text him about it. But he just isn't there." Dulli is accepting of death, saying, "Life is about adapting, continuing on. And ever since I was expelled from the birth canal, I've kept on walking, and I'm gonna just keep on going. And music has been my companion throughout."
Curley is the only remaining original member. "I love playing with John," Dulli says. "He's the Spock to my Kirk. I just love playing with a hot band. And the Afghan Whigs are a hot fuckin' band." Soft Control is released via Royal Cream/BMG on 21 August, with a UK tour from 19-26 September.
