Afghan Whigs

On the title cut of the Afghan Whigs' new album, singer-guitarist Greg Dulli repeatedly asks,
"Do you understand/I'm a gentleman?" – his guttural roar underscoring the irony of his
question. Indeed, the Whigs are no gentlemen, pumping out edgy, rhythmically complex
cock rock reminiscent of Pearl Jam and imbued with an overwrought misanthropic angst
that would embarrass even American Music Club. On Gentlemen, Dulli creates a... More >

No Butch Vig or Steve Albini tidying or toughening up this sucker--those conflicted guitars are a direct function of the singer-writer-producer-guitarist's agonized self-exposure/-examination. If the album wears down into covers and instrumentals, that's only to signify its spiritual exhaustion. No reason to trust Greg Dulli--just his brain selling his ass at a higher convolution. But anyone susceptible to simpler lines, as fisherman or prey, can learn plenty. And the jaded can appreciate the clean, snakelike trajectory of the cast. (Grade: A-)