The boys from Omaha gets back after a couple of tours and out from a studio and gave us Uplifter last June. And I, this late 20's writer remember the first day I saw these guys on MTV. With their song 'Down' way back in 1995. There flavor was new and way cool. It was news flash at school with band mates that we had to cover. All you need is someone who can sing like Count SA. But now with a bunch of emo bands flowering up all what used to be hard solid rocks isn't too much blending in. I mean on the radio perhaps. Or some slasher's ipod playlist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt-nBwJR3KA
Can they really still make money with this music? Does it still have an audience? When blokes like me have gone out of our bedrooms and garages to make our own buck at blunt grey offices? I listened to it and gave it patience. First couple of songs where kinda or exactly what you'd expect from 311. Ska-ish grungy yet joyful fast guitar riffs with down flava. That tiny voice from Count SA's mic with Nick's calm voice. Chad's spring up snare. 311 mix is still there after almost two decades. Longetivity is key in music too I say. A couple of tracks are okay. You can have it as background 90's music in your pad, car or wherever. 'It's Alright' is the first to give you that uplifting feel that you miss in much of todays rock bands (are there any still?). Has that beach reggae feel telling you it's alright wherever and whenever. Amazing bass part after a minute. 'Too much too fast' aaaah this is the one. I'd this is the best in the album. Let's me think Drew Barrymore and me as the eggheaded Adam Sandler. No this is not the first dates but the riffs, tune, mix, blend and composition overall is neat. Not a masterpiece though but I'd assure you'll hit that replay button many more times. You know when you wish that it would not end playing, the neverending track till you arrive home. So much love for music, and they have so much to give. 'Two Drops in the Ocean' 's intro is kinda that kiss me riff haha, but this track is also neat. Tim has effects those strings with a wah that is purely his modern signature. 'My Heart Sings' tones that hip pace with acoustic alternative genre.
UPLIFTER
This album is a fair or B+ in my books. Its a keeper in my DB. 311 don't have to call 911 yet. They still have something to offer. Who knows, as i've said, longetivity is key, stick to what you are. What you know and yeah yeah what you believe as thousands have expressed. Nuff cliche's, listen to it.
Then again, these are just my thoughts.
