The Afghan Whigs mark 40 years with upcoming album – Chicago Reader
Formed in 1986 in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Afghan Whigs have embarked on a long and winding musical journey marked by numerous setbacks and challenges. Setting themselves apart from their alternative-rock counterparts, the band infused their bluesy rhythms and 70s classic rock vibes with a deep emotional vulnerability that resonated with audiences. The Afghan Whigs made significant strides with their early releases, including two full-length albums produced by Sub Pop, before gaining mainstream recognition with the 1993 major-label debut, Gentlemen, on Elektra Records. Following this, the band released two more albums before taking a break in 2001, only to reunite briefly in 2006 and then make a full-fledged comeback in 2011. During periods of hiatus, Greg Dulli, the band’s frontman, delved into impressive side projects, including collaborations with the Gutter Twins and the Twilight Singers.
Their latest album, “How Do You Burn?”, released in 2022, exhibits a restless yet hard-earned energy. Drawing on their unique blend of grunge, soul, and funk, the record adds a film-noir aesthetic, occasionally breaking into moments of radiant light, such as in the soulful track “Jyja” and the neospiritual “Take Me There.” Fans were pleasantly surprised when the Afghan Whigs dropped two covers in December, showcasing Dulli’s crooner side through their renditions of “Fake Like” by Poliça and “Downtown” by Still Corners. In March, the band released a vinyl single featuring these tracks alongside their first original song in four years, “House of I,” a crunchy rocker with undertones of menace and infectious backing vocals, hinting at more exciting things to come on their forthcoming album later this year.
The upcoming show at Metro serves as a part of the Afghan Whigs’ 40th-anniversary tour. Concertgoers can expect a mix of brand-new material, deep cuts from their extensive catalog, and possibly some unexpected covers—a celebration of reaching this milestone with their spirits and memories intact, along with a tribute to those who are no longer with them. Joining them on stage are the fellow alt-rock legends Mercury Rev, who released the brooding and jazzy album “Born Horses” in 2024, driven by captivating spoken-word monologues from frontman Jonathan Donahue, reminiscent of figures like David Lynch and David Tibet. This show promises to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for Gen X, offering a unique blend of musical experiences that celebrate the eccentric and the unconventional.
In conclusion, the concert featuring the Afghan Whigs and Mercury Rev at Metro on May 9th will undoubtedly be a memorable night filled with soulful performances, a journey through the annals of alternative rock, and a celebration of two legendary bands that continue to captivate audiences with their unique sounds and timeless music. Stay alive and stay weird.