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Parker Gispert loves a good sandwich — and he's got a killer vocal rasp that's one of his band's most distinctive musical signatures.

The Whigs frontman and drummer Julian Dorio, both 24, arrive at the band's rehearsal space — a converted office on the front end of a plumbing company — with lunch to talk about exciting developments in Whigs-land. The fuzz-toned indie rock of the Athens trio, completed by bassist Hank Sullivant, 23, is moving to ATO Records, the label co-founded by Dave Matthews and home to a diverse roster of artists, including British adult alternative fave David Gray, adventurous Kentucky rock group My Morning Jacket and folky singer-songwriter Patty Griffin. Next month, ATO is reissuing the Whigs' self-released album, a memorable chunk of rock with pop smarts called "Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip." It was easily among the best local releases of 2005. And the band will be playing one more local gig this Saturday before heading back out on the road.

Sarah Ianacone (ENLARGE)
The Whigs' "Fat Lip" is being reissued by ATO, and the Athens group will begin work on a new LP after a tour.
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MUSIC PREVIEW The Whigs With Gates of Berlin and TxRx. 9 p.m. Saturday. $12; $10 in advance. Smith's Olde Bar, 1578 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-875-1522, www.smithsoldebar.com. AJC review of the Whigs' debut, originally published Jan. 17, 2006. The Whigs. "Give 'Em All a Big Fat Lip." 11 tracks. Grade: A- There are so many things to love about the Whigs' debut. The percussive clang of the horn-fueled "Can't Hear You Coming," the fuzz-toned sway of "Technology," the variety of tempo and tone, and the hint of desperation in Parker Gispert's voice. The crucial factor, though, is that this young band already has a distinctive identity and a sound that, though informed by the past, doesn't ape anyone else. — Shane Harrison

As we get comfortable on the gray benches exiled from the band's tour van to make way for equipment, Gispert pulls something from his paper bag.

"By the way, this sandwich, it's called the Gobbler," he says, relishing the tasty looking treat. "We've got turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Oh, yeah."

We're not there to talk about sandwiches, though, so it's on to some other topics the guys are passionate about: music, touring and the threesome's new label home.

For the Whigs, touring is the best way to get the music to the masses, and that's part of what drew band and label together. "We want to build and work on the road," Dorio says. "To us, it's the only way you should be doing it. And it's a lot of fun; it's not like it's some sort of chore. That's another thing about ATO, most of their roster is a touring, live, hard-working group of bands."

That's just what they've been doing and will keep doing it for a few more months. Following this weekend's gig at Smith's Olde Bar, the band will be on the road until Thanksgiving, but this time the album will be more widely available.

After that, it's a short break and back into the studio to craft the official ATO debut.

That's the future, but let's look at the trio's past. The band came together at the University of Georgia in 2002, but Dorio and Gispert both grew up closer to Atlanta and met at the Westminster Schools in Buckhead.

"We went to nerd private school," Gispert says, chuckling, his unruly hair seeming to change shape each time you look his way.

The pair met bassist Sullivant — in his hometown of Memphis for a wedding at the time of our chat — at UGA. Sullivant and Gispert graduated just before the record deal came through.

"I took my final exam, drove to Atlanta, signed the deal about two hours later and we left for a tour the next day," Gispert says.

As for ATO, label manager John Biondolillo is effusive in his praise. "We were blown away when we saw them play New York. [The Mercury Lounge] was completely sold out and just filled with real fans. It was incredibly impressive. We just fell in love with the music. They've got such an amazing thing going and we just really want to get out of their way and help them pursue their vision."

That sentiment sounds like just what the Whigs had in mind. As happy as they are with the deal, they don't want to put too much emphasis on what they see as just another step in their evolution.

"We can all celebrate, I suppose, but the next day we were touring regardless, and when we get home we're going down to our practice space and play," Dorio says. "It wasn't like we were going to relocate. It's not life-changing, and that's exactly what we wanted."

As we're about to leave that spacious, flier-plastered practice space, Gispert recommends a place that makes an "awesome chicken Cuban sandwich." Following his directions, I find the place and order one. It is awesome.

The moral? Whether Parker Gispert is trying to sell you a song or a sandwich, it's probably a good idea to listen to him.