311, a unique reggae/rock/hip-hop hybrid, released on June 2nd their latest album, Uplifter. Celebrating their new music and the summer season, the band is now touring.
Produced by Bob Rock under the RCA/Jive Label Group, Uplifter displays the next step in 311’s evolution. Simple, yet complex, buoyant and electric, this newest album contains the work of collaborating artists, focused, adept, and attuned.
Plus, well-worth the value, the extended version CD includes two stellar tracks and an 83 minute DVD documentary, The Road to 311 Day, directed and edited by Wayne Price.
311’s Sound
311 is an amalgam of genres, combined to form an original sound. The band takes the positive energy from reggae, rock, hip-hop, and other areas to create their own brand of invigorating music. With Uplifter, vocals, guitars, bass, drums, piano, horns, and electronics blend and wave together, forming the sounds of summer.
On the new album, Nick Hexum and SA Martinez fuse their voices to form a cosmic, musical alloy. Both sing individually and in harmony about themes such as music, creativity, positivity, the moment, and appreciation. Along with several remarkable solos, Tim Mahoney provides guitar riffs ranging from the sonic to the serene. P-Nut’s intricate bass lines bubble and thump with resilience. And Chad Sexton’s drum rhythms drive and guide the songs through an array of transitions and swells.
New Tracks on Uplifter
Like other 311 albums, this album sustains itself throughout. Uplifter contains no bad songs. It begins with the album’s first single, “Hey You,” an upbeat track testifying to the power of music. The fourth track, “Golden Sunlight,” builds in intensity, takes flight, and soars. And the energy continues to mount with infectious tracks such as "India Ink," “Never Ending Summer,” and "Something Out of Nothing."
However, 311, true to form, contrasts their momentum with mellower songs. Listeners can relax to the lighter melodies found in tracks such as “Two Drops in the Ocean” and “My Heart Sings.” Ultimately, the pacified songs synthesize with the more aggressive to provide a dazzling spectrum of sound, contained within a complete and satisfying album.
311 Day Documentary
For about an extra six dollars, fans can purchase an extended version Uplifter CD that includes two bonus tracks and a DVD documentary, The Road to 311 Day. Pairing the package with the CD, the band encourages fans to continue supporting the waning compact disc medium. Two crisp tracks and an entertaining documentary make the purchase worth while.
The Road to 311 Day gives viewers a glimpse of 311 on the road and backstage. Weaved throughout are live songs from 311 Day 2008 in New Orleans. Between songs viewers see the antics and rituals involved in touring and preparing for 311 Day. The documentary presents the culture of 311 fandom, and band interviews provide insight into 311’s music and philosophy. Sexton’s live drum solo surging with the full-band drum line particularly stands out amidst the musical montage. The sequence caught on tape in itself is worth the entire documentary.
The Summer Unity Tour
To celebrate and spread their new music, 311 is now touring America until July 12th with the Summer Unity Tour. The tour consists of 311, Ziggy Marley, and the Expendables, spreading vibes from city to city for two months. Expect the shows to be different, though, because 311 modifies the set of each performance to provide every audience with a unique experience. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
While 311 continues playing songs from their older albums, this summer tour is a great vehicle for them to play their new material for wide audiences. The crowds likely will enjoy the new tunes. Like a fine wine or a master craftsman, 311 over the years has steadily improved. Uplifter is the next step in the band’s extraordinary musical journey, and it sounds like they are headed in the right direction.
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