SXSW Band to Look Out For: The Whigs

I stumbled upon The Whigs at a day showcase during SXSW a few years ago. They’re a tight garage rock trio from Athens and all of them are incredible musicians, but I immediately focused in on their drummer Julian. He seemed to have super human strength and speed and I couldn’t take my eyes of him. I got their debut record and to be perfectly honest, it didn’t totally blow me away. Not after the live performance I had witnessed.

About 4 years later, they are now readying the release of their 3^rd full length “ In the Dark”– their best record yet. I caught them opening for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Echoplex last night. It was a rock ‘n’ roll lovers dream line up. While old favorites like “Right Hand on My Heart,” “Violet Furs,” and “Like a Vibration” sounded better than ever, new tracks like “Black Lotus” and “Kill Me Carolyne” really take it to the next level. I think they’ve finally found the sound that really sets them apart. From their bio: “IN THE DARK is both atmospheric and ambitious, without losing the pedal-to-the-metal power that earned them universal praise as one of America’s finest young rock ‘n’ roll bands.”

The Whigs: In the Dark

That about says it! If you’re going to Austin, try to catch them at one of their shows during SXSW. Otherwise, look out for their album out on March 16 on ATO Records.

RR