Singles Spotlight:
The Afghan Whigs – “House of I”

Hello reader,

How are you today?

We’ve got the one and only The Afghan Whigs as part of our Singles Spotlight today. I’m happy to hear new music from the Whigs, and this is their first release in 4 years. Broadly speaking, the group has been creating beautiful alternative rock, with heavy elements of post-punk, grunge, soul, and even R&B throughout its history. Formed in Cincinnati in 1986 as an evolution of frontman Greg Dulli’s garage band The Black Republicans, the Whigs lineup has changed throughout the decades, and still features Dulli (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards) and fellow co-founder John Curley (bassist), and now features keyboardist, strings player, guitarist, and backing vocalist Rick G. Nelson (since 2011), drummer Patrick Keeler (since 2014) and most recent joinee guitarist Christopher Thorn (since 2021).

The late 80s saw the band emerge on the indie scene, and the 90s saw the band on the fantastic Sub Pop label, which brought their influential music into the homes of future musicians and many fans who are still die-hard to this day.  Their 1993 release, Gentlemen, was an amazing exploration of a toxic relationship, featuring excellent songwriting by Dulli, and garnered widespread critical acclaim. The themes were heavy and dark, but wonderfully explored in a perspective and with thoroughness that wasn’t as common at the time. In fact, for many, it is how Dulli and the band approach songwriting, and their often non-mainstream mindset toward lyrical themes, that have endured and continue to endure today. They’re not “alpha male” podcasters/streamers, and thank God for that. The album is highly rated and is considered one that landed on many year-end and best-of-the-decade lists. And amongst the best albums of all-time as well. It was where my own journey to The Afghan Whigs began, and it’s where I would suggest you delve in yourself, after listening to today’s single. There are plenty of great, critically acclaimed albums in the group’s discography besides this gem.

I was ecstatic in recent weeks when I got to hear “House of I” for the first time. I instantly knew I had to share it with you as part of the Singles Spotlight series. Here’s to hoping it is the first single off a full album! Per the song’s press release, “The song was recorded at Marigny Sound in New Orleans, LA, with additional recording and mixing completed at Fireside Sound in Joshua Tree, CA.”

And what did frontman Dulli have to say about it via press release? “Laid this one down in New Orleans last summer. Was looking for an up-tempo banger and feel like we found one here.” You’ll soon hear it for yourself and decide.

The thumping drumbeat kicks off the song, creating a hard-charging march followed by screeching guitars that cut across the drum work. Pretty soon, you hear Dulli’s unforgettable vocals and a second burst of energy in the melody. The lyrics are delivered in a biting tone as one has come to expect and love from Dulli and the Whigs over the years. It’s a catchy rhythm and song in general. The band is still in tight form, and hearing the song makes me want to go see them live. I think you’ll like the song as well. Take a listen for yourself and tell me what you think.

The song, “House of I” from The Afghan Whigs’ YouTube channel:

(All credits and rights to The Afghan Whigs)

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com