In this day and age, no one likes to be labeled. People profusely protest to being branded based on sexuality, gender, race or stylistic tastes. Since 1986, the Afghan Whigs have been the personification of this concept: The reunited band’s unusual music refuses to fit within one genre.
Three years after the release of their last album, “1965,” the Afghan Whigs amicably split in 2001 due to complications preventing the members from continuing to produce music together. After the band announced its reunion in 2012, fans have finally been rewarded for their loyalty with the release of the band’s first album in 16 years, “Do to the Beast.”
True to the band’s nature, “Do to the Beast” absolutely refuses to be pigeonholed. Though the band is generally classified as an alternative rock group, listeners can’t miss the influences of classical and soul aspects in the Afghan Whigs’ newest album. The intense horns behind front man Greg Dulli’s vocals in “These Sticks,” along with the delightful viola played in “Lost in the Woods,” deviate from the would-be rock band’s expected style.
However, Dulli gives a poor and out-of-range performance on some of the songs.
Though it is a great album overall, “Do to the Beast” gives a bad first impression with “Parked Outside.” The first track hooks you for about 13 seconds with a catchy drumbeat and a broken guitar riff. Then Dulli’s vocals come in with the first line: “If time can incinerate what I was to you/allow me to illustrate how the hand becomes the fuse.” This attempt at high notes takes the “groove” the listeners just found and incinerates it. You’re almost 50 years old, man. It’s time to accept that your range just isn’t what it used to be.
The only song that assaults the senses worse than “Parked Outside” is “The Lottery.” I’m not even sure what emotion this song’s flat key is supposed to portray. Come on, Dulli. You’ve been singing for more than two decades; you have better technique than this. Give up the high notes and stop relying on the bass to round out your sound. Not every ‘80s vocalist can be Steven Tyler.
Thankfully, Rick McCollum on lead guitar redeems this album with his excellent riffs and solos. The introduction to the second track, “Matamoros,” makes listeners immediately forgive the attack on their ears by the song preceding it. McCollum’s playing in “Can Rova” has an unmistakable blues feel to it that beautifully complements the haunting melody. “Can Rova” also shows that Dulli isn’t so bad when he actually sings within his range.
The best song on this album is “Lost in the Woods.” The flawless duet executed between the piano and Dulli immerses listeners in the heavy introduction of the song. It then subtly transitions into a lighthearted feel that contrasts the dark lyrics. What makes this song truly phenomenal is the back-and-forth between the dark and heavy bass, played by John Curley, and the stirring melody on the viola, played by Rick Nelson. This powerful composition portrays an emotional struggle in a way that drowns the listener in feeling.
Another redeeming quality this album possesses is the flow of the music. Each track — even the two assailants mentioned earlier — transitions beautifully into the next. Listeners can tell a lot of thought was put into the arrangement of this album, and it has definitely paid off.
“Do to the Beast” is an album for those who wish to lose themselves in music for a while. If you can bring yourself to excuse the bad introduction and give it another chance, the Afghan Whigs’ newest album does not disappoint.
Skylar Griego is a book reviewer and freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.
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