The Whigs

The Whigs

In the aftermath of this Athens, Ga., trio's debut, 2005's Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip, Rolling Stone declared the Whigs "the best unsigned band in America." That confidence boost fuels Mission Control. A noisy fun house bouncing around Nirvana, the Replacements, and Guided by Voices, the Whigs' sophomore slam is just as likely to push you up against a wall as whisper pillow talk. Frontman Parker Gispert yowls distinctively, and drummer Julian Dorio splashes his beats with rare ferocity. The anthemic "Right Hand on My Heart," heavy jangle of "Hot Bed," and undeniable blare of "Already Young" stand out among Mission Control's short blasts of pure pop. It leaves you hoping the Whigs are best consumed live, where the rumble's in your gut and the ringing's in your ears for days afterward. (Thursday, March 13, Austin Music Hall, 8:15pm.)