Listen to The Afghan Whigs “Arabian Heights,” from new album

Cincinnati Ohio’s favourite noir-rockers, The Afghan Whigs, have returned with a new album, In Spades out May 5th on Sub Pop Records, and today they’ve shared the latest single “Arabian Heights”. After saying numerous times since their initial breakup in 2001 that the band was finished and would never get back together, Greg Dulli and co did eventually reform to release the stellar “Do The Beast” in 2014 and if this new single is any indication In Spades may just top that. All of the Whigs songs have certain sinister aspects to them, “Arabian Heights” is no exception but this one also seems a little brighter, not necessarily because of any distinguishable change of mood but almost as if it’s buoyed by a energized sense of purpose. Anchoring this track is some exceptional musicianship. The guitars drip down over an invigorating drum part, courtesy of new drummer Patrick Keeler of The Greenhornes and The Raconteurs, layering feedback as each section wonderfully and naturally segues into the next. “Arabian Heights” takes us on a wonderfully arranged journey perfectly guided by Dulli’s still very strong, honey-dipped vocals. Injecting the right amount of shadowy smoothness into all that they do and still crafting music that feels fresh and relevant after 20 years, it’s wonderful to have the Afghan Whigs back.