The Afghan Whigs have announced their new album, Soft Control, and a 2026 fall tour through Europe and North America. Additionally, they’ve released a new single called“Jungle Roux”which is streaming below.
Soft Control is scheduled for release August 21st on Royal Cream and BMG records. The venerable alternative rock band recorded in studios across the U.S., including Fireside Sound in Joshua Tree and Marigny Studios in New Orleans, according to a press release. They recorded 22 songs, trimming them down to a tight 10 tracks clocking in at 37-minute for their 10th studio album. The album reunites the band with former drummer Patrick Keeler for a cameo and features vocalist and violinist Petra Haden briefly of The Decemberist, Bo Koster of My Morning Jacket, and many others. Frontman Greg Dulli’s vocal tenacity and confidence promises a new and higher degree.
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“I’ve worked hard on my inner peace,” Dulli said in the release. “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.” Fan can pre-save and pre-order the album here.
The fall tour kicks off in Europe with a September 19th show in Leeds, United Kingdom at Stylus. The run hits London, Manchester, Paris, and Cologne among other cities. The European leg ends October 5th with a gig in Brussels, Belgium at Ancienne Belgique. Ed Harcourt will provide support. The North American stretch begins November 4th in Orlando at Beacham Theater. The band stops in Atlanta, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Chicago, and St. Louis. The tour ends November 21st in Austin at Scoot Inn. For support, Night Moves joins the tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 5th via Ticketmaster and the band’s website.
“Jungle Roux” marks the second single released from the upcoming album, following “House of I.”
In “Jungle Roux” distorted stereo guitars penetrate the listener’s head at the onset before Dulli’s gritty melodic lines grab a hold. Stacked gospel-like vocals respond to the lyrics building on a groovy indie rock song with a menacing sentiment.
The Afghan Whigs are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and are coming off a tour that marked the occasion.
Soft Control Artwork:
Soft Control 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
The Afghan Whigs 2026 Tour Dates:
07/10 — Brugge, Belgium @ Cactus Festival
09/19 — Leeds, UK @ Stylus
09/20 — Nottingham, UK @ The Palais
09/22 — Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 Galvanizers
09/23 — Manchester, UK @ O2 Ritz
09/24 — London, UK @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
09/26 — Brighton, UK @ Chalk
09/27 — Paris, FR @ Trabendo
09/28 — Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
09/30 — Cologne, DE @ Luxor
10/01 — Liege, BE @ OM
10/03 — Eindhoven, Netherlands (venue TBA)
10/04 — Antwerp, BE @ De Roma
10/05 — Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
11/04 — Orlando, FL @ Beacham Theater
11/05 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
11/07 — Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/08 — Baltimore, MD @ BaltimoreSoundStage
11/10 — Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
11/11 — Toronto, ON @ The Concert Hall
11/13 — Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
11/14 — Chicago, IL @ The Metro
11/15 — St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall
11/19 — New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
11/20 — Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
11/21 — Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
