The Wallflowers Exit Wounds

It’s been almost ten years since the Wallflowers released their last album, 2012's Glad All Over. Even if, for most listeners, the Jakob Dylan-led roots-rockers are better known for writing late-nineties singles like One Headlight and Letters from the Wasteland. Since then, they've mostly coasted with pleasant, Americana-tinged anthems that are searching for that inimitable melody or hook. The band stuck to a formula that is hard to dislike but also hard to be impressed by, and Exit Wounds isn’t any different. Granted, punchy, unhurried rockers like Roots and Wings carry homegrown wisdom, on which Dylan recognizes where he's from and where he's headed. Singer-songwriter Shelby Lyne also makes a heartfelt cameo on the piano-led ballad Darlin’ Hold On. Most of the album sounds immaculately produced, of course, the result of him basing his operations in Nashville with a group of seasoned musicians. But Dylan remains mostly anonymous throughout, letting others shine while he adds some occasionally poignant touches.