The Whigs: Mission Control

By: Shain Shapiro

I am torn by The Whigs‘ new record, Mission Control (ATO). In one sense, it is a ballsy excursion in plaintive, power-chord rock ‘n’ roll that remains consistent, heavy and energetic throughout. On the other hand, its monotonous song structure and unimaginative melodies are excruciatingly dull. On first listen, the 30-or-so minutes of music appear driven, straight-ahead and impressively conjunct, as college rock, alternative and Southern gumption combine effortlessly into songs that flow into one another almost blindly, as if their desire was to blend together into one distinctive whole. Then, after further listens, boredom sunk in and the sheer sameness of these songs dominated. Only “Mission Control,” the last track and quite a journey, differs from the mold by using horns and dissonance to create something more substantive. The rest, depending on what you are listening for, is either a rollicking rock journey or another collection of songs that sounds like everything else. Regardless, this is the musical equivalent of a bare bones Honda Civic; some people like it plain because it has everything you need, but perhaps nothing you truly want.

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