Athens, Georgia trio the Whigs really have it down. One listen through to their stellar debut Give ‘Em All A Big Fat Lip (ATO) confirms it, with just enough power-poppy shine. They pack the ‘60s Brit jangle and ‘90s Anglo swirl and seem to harvest some boozey punk cool, with a little indie rock slacker charm to factor in. This combination couldn’t be fenced in to the artsy Georgia college town forever. The song “Technology” is a spry one that chugs with earnest tunefulnes and a devil may care holler, while the strummy hypnosis and tight construct and harmonies of “Say Hello” reach a twitchy pop perfection. You think they’re good on record? Their second gig in Buffalo in only a couple months follows a string of high profile 2007 gigs, including noteworthy appearances at SXSW and Bonnaroo, where their power as a live act tested the mettle. So the question beckons: How long can the Whigs stay below the surface? Not long, we hope. Also on the bill are Chicago’s Redwalls—ably treading prime 1960s territory somewhere between the Sonics and Dylan’s thin wild mercury sound—along with Johnathan Rice, an emerging troubadour and recent tourmate of Rilo Kiley. Buffalo’s Handsome Jack opens the show.

9pm. Mohawk Place, 47 E Mohawk St. (855-3931/www.mohawkplace.com). $12