Home > Music > CD Review > The Whigs, 'Mission Control'

The Whigs, 'Mission Control'

A monster sophomore album from a buzz band worthy of the hype

By Jeff Miller, Special to Metromix

January 21, 2008

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Backstory: This rowdy, rocking three-piece from Athens, Ga., was once called the “Best Unsigned Band in America" by Rolling Stone. They're now signed to Dave Matthews–backed ATO Records, which is releasing "Mission Control" on the heels of their fantastic debut, "Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip."

Why you should care: Because no new "buzz" band has made music this instantly powerful—and legitimately timeless—in as long as we can remember.

Verdict: It'd be seemingly impossible to one-up the very My Morning Jacket–ish "Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip," but "Mission Control" does, mostly because the Whigs now sound like a summation of their influences (Nirvana, the Beatles, Flaming Lips) more than an imitation of them. "Like A Vibration," the album's opener, resonates and roars thanks in no small part to the propulsive drumming of quick-handed Julian Dorio, and the title track closer is a slow-burner that manages to be equally intense. Everything in between's pie filling: sweet, delicious and as important as the crust.

X-Factor: For "Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip," the band famously bought—and then resold—all their recording equipment on eBay. This time, they worked in comparative luxury, recording in Los Angeles with veteran producer Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith).

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