By marty

Not to get too fancy here, but to simply state it, The Whigs blew me away at SunFest’s New Music Night.

The Athens, Georgia trio’s driving guitar work, tight harmonies, and thunderous drums showed that this up-and-coming band is ready to take the next step. 

Starting 10 minutes early (because they could and, apparently, cool enough to do so), The Whigs seriously rocked the growing crowd at the beautiful waterfront festival.  Pulling much of their set list from their excellent Mission Control album, the boys displayed their prodigious music talents by trading instruments and including a keyboard into the standard guitar, bass and drum mix.  Believe me, there was no idle plinking on the piano. These guys are very good at what they do.

Guitarist and lead vocalist Parker Gispert’s pleading drawl on “Right Hand On My Heart” was one of the highlight’s of the 50-minute set.  Throughout the show, Gispert and bassist Tim Deaux pushed each further as the set grooved on.  Deaux rocked his bass so hard that he drew blood on his right hip.  Julian Dorio’s drumming, already getting notice beyond Athens, kept the whole musical stampede moving forward.  “Like a Vibration” and “Production City,” both from Mission Control were also high points.  One can hear the influences, such as The Replacements, R.E.M., Pixies, and My Morning Jacket, intertwine within their music and emerges as a new bold sound.

Sitting amidst overmade-up preteen girls and their parents waiting for Good Charlotte, who was later on the bill, my friend Duncan and I joked that, if we wouldn’t risk divorce and financial ruin, the only option would be to pack up the Buick and hit road to follow the band.  They were that good.  And the thought is still tempting.

The Whigs started their tour at the West Palm Beach festival before heading west.  This summer, the band will also be making its first trip to Europe.  Here is their tour schedule.

Download:  Production City.mp3 by The Whigs

The Blakes

Early in the evening, Seattle-based trio The Blakes played an energetic, quick set.  The band led by the Keim brothers - Garnet on guitar and vocals and Snow on bass.  Bob Husak is on drums.

The band plays Grade A-quality garage rock with Garnet’s vocals reminiscent of Jack White’s grungiest screech.  Unfortunately, the 30-minute set before only a couple dozen early festival-goers made the set feel like an appetizer instead of the full, rich meal the band deserves.

Download:  Don't Bother Me.mp3 by The Blakes