On 'In the Dark,'the Whigs travel through decades

In less capable hands, The Whigs' whirlwind of rock styles would never come together.

The Athens, Ga., trio's third album, "In the Dark" (ATO), blends melodies from '70s Rolling Stones and '80s Replacements with '90s grunge under- pinnings to build a whole new rock animal. With a little luck, "Kill Me Carolyne," with its Westerberg-ian verses and spiky Killers-ish chorus, could be this year's "Sex on Fire."

As much as Parker Gispert's swagger sells the charming "I Don't Even Care About the One I Love," it's his guitarwork that should land "In the Dark" in the year's bright spotlight.

THE WHIGS

"In the Dark"

GRADE B+

BOTTOM LINE

Tasty, Southern-fried indie rock