ATO Records are thrilled to welcome Athens, GA, three-piece, The Whigs to the roster.
The band's mix of definitive teenage anthems and passionate garage rockers compliments
ATO Records' eclectic label, which features the likes of My Morning Jacket and Ben Kweller. In April 2006, "Rolling Stone" named The Whigs one of "10 Artists To Watch." In support of their self-released debut record, Give 'em All A Big Fat Lip, the band is currently on a two-month headlining tour of the states.
In their "
10 Artists To Watch" feature, "Rolling Stone" magazine called The Whigs, "
A fiery, young and timelessly tuneful rock trio ... the best unsigned band in America" going on to say, "
Nineties indie rock with Sixties pop craftsmanship and Southern-rock twang; Parker Gispert's hoarse vocals and ragged-glory rhythm guitar tap into a Cobain-Westerberg vein, but when he and bassist Hank Sullivant switch to keyboards, they evoke Pet Sounds."
After playing countless shows in and around Athens with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, The Killers and The Futureheads, and building a loyal fan base in the burgeoning music scene, the University of Georgia seniors began work on their debut record. The Ross Crane House, an on campus fraternity and a United States National Register of Historical Places, would become the band's studio for the next month. Give 'em All A Big Fat Lip, recorded on a college budget including recording equipment the band bought on eBay and later sold on eBay after they were finished, has been hypnotizing listeners with its tightly crafted songs and edgy power.
Along with "Fader" magazine, "Popmatters.com," and many others, "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution" raves, "There are so many things to love about the Whigs' debut. The percussive clang of the horn-fueled "Can't Hear You Coming," the fuzz-toned sway of "Technology," the variety of tempo and tone, and the hint of desperation in Parker Gispert's voice. The crucial factor, though, is that this young band already has a distinctive identity and a sound that, though informed by the past, doesn't ape anyone else."
ATO Records re-released Give 'em All A Big Fat Lip on September 19, 2006 through RED Distribution. The Whigs continue to tour before heading into the studio in early 2007 to record their ATO Records debut.
Check out the new Whigs stream for "Violet Furs":
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