The Whigs’ PR machine promises that this Athens, Georgia, rock trio has recorded their most “sonically superior” album to date with Mission Control. The problem with that is their 2006 disc Give ‘Em All A Big Fat Lip was such a charmer because it wasn’t a polished, sonic affair. It was a Replacements-esque home-recorded gem, full of quirky keyboards, catchy rock guitars and crisp, terrific singing from lead singer/guitarist Parker Gispert. The sonics on Mission Control bury Gispert’s distinct vocals a little more than desired, but the Whigs easily overcome. The standout here is the anthemic “Right Hand On My Heart”, with its pounding, skillful drumming and swirling rock riffs. Another highlight is “Already Young”, a catchy tune with fuzzed out guitars just begging high schoolers or college kids to pick it up as their summer 2008 cry of unity: “I don’t care what your old man thinks of me/’Cause I don’t care, I’m already young!”). This is a terrific, young, hungry band.