THE WHIGS > Mission Control

Updated:

February 6, 2013 9:18 pm

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For Mission Control, their second release on ATO Records, this Athens, Ga. rock outfit dropped into Sunset Sound Studios with acclaimed producer, Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith). It’s quite a step up from the UGA fraternity house where they recorded Give ‘Em All A Big Fat Lip-one instantly noticeable on “Like A Vibration.”

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Label: ATO
[Rating: 4]

For Mission Control, their second release on ATO Records, this Athens, Ga. rock outfit dropped into Sunset Sound Studios with acclaimed producer, Rob Schnapf (Beck, Elliott Smith). It’s quite a step up from the UGA fraternity house where they recorded Give ‘Em All A Big Fat Lip-one instantly noticeable on “Like A Vibration.” Similar to snarling rockers “Right Hand on My Heart” “Already Young,” and “Need You, Need You,” the opener roars like it was tracked during one of The Whigs’ famous, live ragers. That boisterous intensity was an element often missing from their debut. Here, it’s channeled even during the slower numbers. Take the title track, which ambles from one flare-up to another before exploding into a triumphant fury of brass, guitar, and drums. And not to worry, the instant appeal songwriting of Lip can easily be found on “Production City,” and “I Got Ideas”-the latter featuring a horn-laden hook. Hell, it’s all over this fine follow up.