THE WHIGS

In the Dark

[ATO]

On their second major label offering, Athens, Ga., trio the Whigs expand their ambitions to create a stylistic mesh of alt-rock, garage-rock and more. In the Dark is built on propulsive rhythms and unrelenting intensity that circle the divide midway between Kings of Leon and U2. Singer Parker Gispert veers towards the dark side, particularly when he’s raging and ranting via “Hundred/Million,” “Black Lotus” and “I Am For Real.” Likewise, “I Don’t Even Care About the One I Love” may be the most unabashedly honest breakup song ever imagined. Tension aside, the band provides enough hooks to ensure a stadium-size sing-along, from the party vibe generated by the title track to the cosmic yet catchy coda of “Naked.” Ironically, given its tone, In the Dark may well be the album that takes the Whigs out of the shadows and into the spotlight. – Lee Zimmerman