Greg Dulli and the other members of The Afghan Whigs have always been known for their covers. And their latest single is another chapter in that long history, this time focusing on two newer bands.
The A-side for the single is “Fake Like,” originally by synth-pop Minneapolis band, Poliça. The Whigs keep the synth, but ratchet up the agony, with Dulli singing his heart out in a way that is much more subdued in the original version.
For the B-side, they tackle “Downtown,” by UK band Still Corners, from their 2016 album, Dead Blue. In the Whigs’ hands, the slow burn of the song remains, but comes together for an explosion of emotion and a release that isn’t in the original.
This is the first release from the Afghan Whigs since their 2022 album, How Do You Burn? In a press release for the single, Dulli said, “Both of these songs were born out of soundcheck jams. Each song holds a particular resonance for me, and I really felt the lyrics, so they both flowed freely and felt good to sing.”
“Fake Like b/w Downtown” is available to stream now, with a limited edition 7″ coming via Shake It Records.
