Albums by this artist

Bombs And Butterflies (1997)

Widespread Panic

Bombs And Butterflies

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» BEN FRENCH | CO-DIRECTOR

Widespread Panic Bombs And Butterflies Capricorn, 1997 RiYL: Phish, Allman Brothers Band, Aquarium Rescue Unit

With Bombs & Butterflies, one thing is proven once and for all to see: Widespread Panic is incapable of moving forward. Yes, the group does offer listeners another hour of its fairly solid Southern roots rock. Unfortunately, it can't seem to come up with any new ideas, and the record's songs end up sounding like shady reworkings of past numbers.

The song openings tell the story well. The slow beginning to ``Happy Sounds'' and the start of ``Glory'' sound like rip-offs of old Widespread songs, such as ``Pilgrims'' from Everyday and the title track from Ain't Life Grand.

The bulk of Widespread's monotony stems from guitarist Michael Houser and drummer Todd Nance. Both players are proficient, but their unaffected styles grow tiresome after the first few songs. It seems like Houser has been ripping out the same solo for the past five years - check out "You Got Yours'' for a good example.

But the band's capabilities do come out on some songs, such as the bass-heavy "Rebirtha'' and the rollicking "Tall Boy.'' Here, Widespread tries something new, working in more innovative solos filled with jazzy improvisation. Bassist David Schools has a tremendous amount of flash that keeps the band on its toes, and keyboardist John Hermann is a standout on almost every number.

A guest appearance by fellow Athens, Ga., singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt is another highlight. In ``Aunt Avis,'' a song written by Chesnutt, singer John Bell's vocals blend beautifully with his counterpart. And Chesnutt's songwriting makes for a refreshing break from the Widespread monotony.

BEN FRENCH | Ben founded NATN in the winter of 1998-1999 with fellow IU alums Troy Carpenter and Jonathan Cohen. During the day time, he's working for Nielsen Business Media, publisher of Billboard. Ben's favorite acts include Bruce Springsteen, The Clash, Sonic Youth, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys.