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311
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Don't Tread On Me
Volcano Entertainment
Release: 8/16/2005
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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By now most of you should be familiar with 311, even if you're like me and it was only after 2001's "Amber" that was played to death on what seemed like every station. I recently found out that 311 have been around for 15 years, forming in Nebraska by five high school buddies. After releasing three indie albums, their first disc on a label was put out in 1993. Their third album, 311, came out in 1995 and was the one to put them on the map. After that, it's been clear sailing for the band, which pulls inspiration from reggae and rock with a bit of punk as well.
Their latest effort, Don't Tread On Me, doesn't contain many surprises but what it does contain is the catchy rock we're used to. Nick Hexum and Sa Martinez's vocals are front and center and willing and able to lift ears at fifty paces. The title cut pulls together all the best elements of 311, as far as I'm concerned: the reggae rock, mixed with a pop sensibility and great vocals. "Thank Your Lucky Stars" is also up to the task with a beefy guitar that powers things along and that hollow, almost Jamaican drum sound.
Cuts like "There's Always An Excuse" and "Solar Flare" offer a little more than usual and are heavier cuts than the regular radio fare. But the problem, and admittedly it's a small problem, is there's nothing really outstanding here. We've seen (or rather heard) it all before. It's definitely a record we can put on at any time and be assured of a rather good (if not safe) time, but there's nothing to keep it in the memory banks either. |
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