CD Review

Upon reaching their 20th anniversary and releasing their ninth studio album, it would be reasonable to assume Widespread Panic would finally cave into a “Touch of Grey,” late career adult-alternative stage. But to nobody’s surprise, Panic continues to sew a pattern all their own and has once again managed to avoid “reinvention.” While 2003’s Ball was a statement to prove they were still a band following Michael Houser’s passing, Earth to America is honed to be their coming out party as a solidified unit. Breaking a long-standing relationship with producer John Keane, Panic went outside the realm with Led Zeppelin III producer Terry Manning and did the sweaty studio work at famed Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas.

With the opening track, “Second Skin,” clocking in at over eleven minutes, no way in hell are they trying to force an easy single into radio rotation. Laying a hypnotic beat into a spacey whirlwind of grinding bass and John Bell’s whiskey soul channeling vocals, Panic leads off with a “take it or leave it" statement. The buoyant “Goodpeople” and "You Should Be Glad," with it’s horn peaks, proves to be classic live Panic, while “Time Zones’” relishes in a satisfying groove that will get any party started. “Ribs and Whiskey” has been road tested for years and “Solid Rock” rambles over a tried and true rock formula - offering little in the way of a “new” band shaping musically - but that’s not necessarily a bad thing with this trusted six-piece.

Bell’s voice keeps getting richer with each graying whisker, bassist David Schools reliably lays a rock foundation that shutters and grooves, and aside from some explosive solos in “When the Cows Come Home,” new guitarist George McConnell lays in the back of the mix. Earth to America shows that honest rock and roll can indulge in various genres, while remaining timeless in the foundation of a well written song. Perhaps that’s what’s kept Widespread Panic alive and kicking for 20 years.