Greg Dulli and band return with their second album since reconvening in 2012. That first resurrection was very good but it still felt like they were feeling their way back. This time they’ve found a stronger creative line into the dark heart and soul of what made their music so compelling the first time around.

In Spades is a heady concoction that takes repeat listens to get beneath the swirling sound that draws equally from soul and R&B, filtered through the central tenets of alt-rock. Dulli is in fine form vocally and lyrically – dissecting relationships with his usual hot-blooded intensity, urging the music on and stretching the top of his vocal range. Handclaps, strings and keyboards enhance the band’s trademark rhythm section while the big guitar riffs and chugging chords still do the sonic heavy lifting.

Demon In Profile and Toy Automatic are reassurance alone of of The Afghan Whigs’ continued relevance and creativity.

Chris Familton