The Whips are a Rock n Roll Band from Philadelphia PA. Blending their influences of rock and rollers like The Sonics, The Everly Brothers and Link Wray, with first wave punks like the Dictators, the Heartbreakers, and the Clash, The Whips manage to wear their influences on their sleeves but still sound modern. Guitar player and singer Joe Kusy during an extended hiatus from former noise rock outfit Far-out Fangtooth asked Guitarist Grey Haas if he wanted to play bass on some new tracks he'd been working on. After one practice they enlisted drummer and vocalist James Horn from the Tough Shits. The trio made a demo tape and immediately began playing shows working up a local following. They added a second guitar player Kyle Seely, but parted ways soon after due to his success with Sheer Mag. The band again changed line-up and they added Rusty Langley on bass while Grey moved to Lead Guitar. With the bands line-up cemented, they completed their first album. Roots Rock Element was released on cassette by Suicide Bong Tapes. The pressing sold out on the day of release and garnered the attention of Burger Records whom released Roots Rock Element digitally. The band immediately began work on their next record. After a year + of writing, recording, mixing and mastering the band released their debut LP, City Wide Special, a split release with Burger Records and their own label Rockin' Skullman Records. The band toured in support of the album and has been working on new material.