Reggae/rock band 311 returns with their tenth studio album Universal Pulse, released July 19 as a much-anticipated dose of summer songs.
Formed in the late ‘80s, 311, made up of Nick Hexum, S.A. Martinez, P-Nut, Tim Mahoney and Chad Sexton, began as many legendary groups do: recording in their basement. The group began by releasing unsigned EPs and albums while touring the local clubs of their hometown, Omaha, Neb.
The band’s name was taken from the police code for public indecency in Nebraska and was the title of their most popular album to date. 311, also known as The Blue Album, produced the band’s singles “Down” and “All Mixed Up” and these accompanied the group’s mainstream breakthrough in the mid ‘90s.
311’s following releases such as Transistor, Soundsystem, and Don’t Tread on Me were also popular hits for the band that found a unique niche in reggae-influenced rock music with a hint of ska flavor. The band has since been touring with successful acts such as Ziggy Marley, Matisyahu and The Offspring. This year, the band is performing alongside the remixed Sublime with Rome.
Universal Pulse is the band’s shortest album yet, with only eight tracks. Bob Rock, who has produced rock greats such as Metallica, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, produces the release. The band’s unique sound is introduced on “Time Bomb” and the album begins with a darker guitar tone behind Martinez’s vocals and even an attempt at a rap-like section.
“Wild Nights” begins with an almost metal-sounding guitar riff and the album’s single “Sunset in July” follows. The track is not the band’s strongest, but is true to 311 as a rhythmic hit in combination with rock aspects.
“Trouble” has a more classic reggae beat while “Count Me In” and “Rock On” are more rock-like with distorted guitar lines. The final track “And A Ways to Go” is a soft, psychedelic track that is intriguing and finishes the album well.
Universal Pulse has good and not-so-good moments, but the overall sound is fully 311. With catchy vocals and reggae beats mixing with electric guitar lines and jam sessions, the band truly lives up to the multi-genre experience it promises. 311 is most definitely here to stay as well as the band’s signature style and groove.
http://livemusicguide.com/album-reviews/311-universal-pulse
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