JAMES RASMUSSEN
Staff Writer
The new album titled “Don’t Tread on Me” by rap-rockers 311 is a surprisingly melodic album that leaves behind the rap influence that helped put them on the musical map.
For this album, the band teamed up with producer Ron Saint Germain, who also worked with the band on 2003’s “Evolver” and the band’s 2001 album “From Chaos.”
Fans of 311 who appreciate their harder rap-rock tracks with a pinch of reggae and funk will be let down. The band reaches for a more harmonious, pseudo-Rasta sound on this album.
“Solar Flare” is the only song on the album to feature lead singer Sa Martinez’s signature rap style. The song also is a testament to the band’s disenchanted view of politics: “When did our leaders / become bottom feeders / we’re shooting up flares / does anyone care.”
The rest of the album features Nick Hexum’s harmonic voice coupled with Martinez’s boyishly high-pitched singing style. These two singers go back and forth in tracks as if they are alter egos arguing in a Rastafarian mind.
The album’s first single, “Don’t Tread on Me,” is the best track on the album. It features the signature 311 sound that both loyal fans and 311 virgins can enjoy. “Don’t Tread on Me” is the first track on the album, and every song after it is not nearly as good.
The fourth track, “Speak Easy,” is reminiscent of the song “Under the Sea” performed by Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid.”
The track “Whiskey and Wine” is another one of the better tracks on the album. It starts out with Martinez and Hexum singing together.
After the first chorus Hexum busts into a smooth Rasta flow like a partygoer who thinks he can rap after one too many drinks. Hexum’s version, however, is decent.
Overall, 311 departs from the formula they’ve used for the past 15 years. Gone are their eloquently mixed raps with harmonies and guitar riffs that separated them from the rest of the genre. Instead, this album offers a surplus of songs that sound the same.
“Don’t Tread on Me” is a mediocre album at best.
It doesn’t feature groundbreaking songs or innovative music. It’s another 311 album simply fulfilling their loyal fans’ expectations minus the raps. Putting aside the nauseatingly light songs that seemed like they were ripped from a “Len” album, it is safe to say only diehard 311 fans will suffer to listen through this album.
08-29-2005
