Kareeta’s sophomore record, Freeway Junkie Queen is an album that anyone that listens and enjoys Widespread Panic needs to check out not because it sounds just like WSP but it certainly shares similar sensibilities. In fact, Dave Schools plays bass on the album and Jerry Joseph has a guest spot on backing vocals as well. Beyond that, the overall sound of the record drips of the Dirty South in a way that belies the band’s California roots (although they are from southern California).
Recorded among the Redwoods at northern California’s Spacecamp Studio in 2022, and produced by Greg Loiacono (The Mother Hips, Stingray) who also produced the band’s self-titled debut, Chuck Harris (lead vocals), Jon Siembieda (guitar), Aaron Barnes (guitar), and Brian Lara (drums) were joined by the aforementioned bass wizard Dave Schools (WSP, Hardworking Americans, Stockholm Syndrome), and legendary songwriter and all around badass Jerry Joseph (Little Women, Stockholm Syndrome) in addition to Loiacono, Brent Brandon, Jason Reed, and Hannah Radley.
Of the sessions, Loiacono says, “Kareeta has made big strides in their writing and live performance since the last record we made. Chuck’s storytelling and imagery is always so vivid and engaging. He takes you through different aspects of his world via the lyrics and each song is a strange and moving journey. The band delivered very strong, live floor takes this go around and we could tell they had gotten a lot of shows under their belt. It was fun watching and hearing Dave Schools and his bass playing fold right into Brian, Aaron and Jon’s pocket so seamlessly. I think this is a fantastic album.”
This is the thing: This is nowhere near cookie cutter Panic sounds, it is not replication, this record just scratches at the influence while bringing Kareeta’s own brand of storytelling and playing. Panic freaks need to take note of the album not only because these guys are sonic neighbors of WSP but because there are washes of others that they love like Neil Young, The Drive By Truckers (check out “Mountain Queen” and you’ll pick up what I’m putting down) and even some subtle Garcia sounding tone and leads in “Told Me To”. More than anything, these guys are steeped in that classic, guitar-heavy southern rock and narrative songwriting of the early to mid-seventies and that is their real appeal.
But don’t let it stop with the records. These guys bring a fantastic live show to the stage. Since their 2021 debut, Kareeta has gained serious swagger through an impressive list of live performances. They have played up and down California in support and headlining roles, played a headlining run of shows through Colorado, lit up Las Vegas, and played multiple festival dates to boot. 2023 has them returning to Colorado, playing stops in Santa Cruz, L.A., and a residency at The Wayfarer in Orange County including a few shows in support of Marc Ford.
