Originally released in 1992, "Congregation" was the album where The Afghan Whigs really began to establish their unmistakable sound. The raw alternative rock and punk of their earlier records was still there, but Greg Dulli's growing fascination with classic soul, R&B and psychedelia pushed the band somewhere altogether more distinctive.

Dark guitars, heavy grooves and Dulli's increasingly intense songwriting run throughout the record, with songs such as "Turn On The Water", "Conjure Me" and "Tonight" laying much of the groundwork for what would follow on "Gentlemen". It's tough and abrasive when it needs to be, but already full of the drama and soul that would become the band's trademark.

Long unavailable on vinyl, this reissue gives one of the essential early Afghan Whigs albums the expanded treatment it deserves.

Double LP in gatefold sleeve with custom inner sleeve, pressed on pearl flip/horizon vinyl.