The Whipsaws

The Whipsaws, a twangy, gritty roots rock outfit similar to acts like the Drive-By Truckers and Uncle Tupelo, formed in the early 2000s around the talents of Alaskans Aaron Benolkin, James Dommek, Jr., and Evan Phillips. The Whipsaws released their debut full-length, Ten Day Bender, on Skip Tooth Records in 2006; the album went on to reach number 133 on the AMA radio charts, and generated some buzz in the European Americana scene. Encouraged by their success at home and abroad, the Whipsaws welcomed bassist Ivan Molesky into the fold and got cracking on their second album. That effort, 60 Watt Avenue, was released on Shut Eye Records in early 2008. The Whipsaws went on a whirlwind U.S. tour following the release of the album, and made their SXSW debut that year.