What do you get when you cross fuzzy southern rock, rhythmic hooks and brash garage grit?
Answer: The Whigs. Vocalist and guitarist Parker Gispert, drummer Julian Dorio and bassist Timothy Deaux have been stirring the rock pot since 2002 and are currently touring the southern states in support of their latest record "In the Dark."
Delivering a cohesion of infectious sounds, The Whigs are a gnarly three-piece outfit from Athens, Ga., who have released three albums, toured the world with bands such as The Black Keys and Kings of Leon and been described by Rolling Stone magazine in 2006 as "perhaps the best unsigned band in America."
On Friday the 13th, The Whigs will make their mark at Common Grounds at 9 p.m.
After spending a good portion of 2010 and early 2011 touring Europe, The Whigs are looking forward to spending the next week in more familiar territory in the U.S. The band will be headlining dates throughout Florida before heading back over to the U.K. as the supporting act for Kings of Leon.
Deaux mused over the benefits of traveling the States, taking on a tone of patriotic nostalgia as he reflected upon the pros of returning to America.
"It's been great to be back home and touring the states again. You know, the good ole' U.S. interstate system with truck stops and Waffle Houses at every exit," he said.
Beginning in 2002, The Whigs understood the necessity for a young band to tour, so they began playing weekend shows in New York City to gain exposure.
"It is very important for a young band to break out of their hometown and find exposure outside of their regional market," Deaux said. "Los Angeles and New York are the two largest markets in the country, and New York just happens to be a lot closer to Athens."
While The Whigs have come a long way on their DIY ethos, Deaux explained the band is still hungry.
"You have to maintain that desire and intensity to carry through to the next stage. You have to stay hungry."
