Earth to America

Behind the haze of pot smoke and patchouli, Widespread Panic always have struggled to unleash the gritty Southern rock band at their core. Earth to America finds them in touch with that core but occasionally too willing to give themselves over to the aforementioned haze. As a rule, songs never need to meander longer than 10 minutes, and although the frequently scorching “Second Skin” may be the best tune here, it’s not an exception to that rule. The allure of interminable soloing sometimes gets the best of Widespread, but the searing, bluesy guitar licks, juicy organ riffs, and frontman John Bell’s husky growl usually get them back on track.