311

While most in the nu-metal milieu opt for dystopia and catharsis, 311's route has always been something more melodic and almost uplifting. The group's seventh album proves no different as it effortlessly combines metal crunch, brooding alt-rock and pop-reggae rhythms underneath a wash of layered vocals. "Still Dreaming" is a highlight.

Even when 311 exhorted fans to "Come Original" on 1999's Soundsystem the band, um,
didn't. So, it's difficult to believe the quintet when they talk about evolving on their latest
eleven-song offering. The crisp and punchy arrangements found here only suffer when
the band inevitably reverts to their past. Tunes such as "Creatures (For a While)" and
"Reconsider Everything" are disappointing and anti-climatic. Nick Hexum is not t... More >