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311 continues to shine
Well 311 is back with their 7th studio album. That in and of itself is an accomplishment. 311 doesnt stop there though as Evolver is an album thats pushes 311 forward without forgetting to give a nod to the past. I usually dont review songs by song, but i think in this case its easier to do than writing a comprhensive review of Evolver. Creatures (For A While)- Hardest single since "Down". Good hooks and awesome intro/outro Reconsider Everything- Trash, 311 can write this kind of song in their sleep. No points for creativity on this one guys. Crack The Code- this song is hot. reminds me of some of the laid back bounce songs from soundsystem. Beyond the Grey Sky- This song is in the vain of "Use of Time". Lyrics and guitar work are tight, althoughthe chorus is forgettable. Seems Uncertain- I give the boys points for trying and this song could have been good. Ultimately the song is monotonistic and lacks any highs or lows and becomes reptetive fast. Still Dreaming-This song picks up the pace and is a classic groove in the style of past 311 mid tempo rockers. Give Me A Call- Awesome song that really showcases S.A.'s voice. Makes you wish they would let him have some of the vocal chances that Nick gets to take. Don't Dwell- This song is so-so. Typical 311 rocker song that really doesn't break any new ground. Other Side of Things- Hardest song on the disc hands down. S.A. sounds sick in his opening verse. By the time Nick comes in, you wish they would just get back to S.A. His voice matches the riffs miT comes up with so well on this track. Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm- Another interesting idea that never seems to find it'sa voice. This song is noteworthy if nothing else, due to the secret song at the end which is a miT guitar solo which is so good you wonder why is wasn't flushed out into a song instead of some of the other filler. All in all, 311 still manages to stay above the competition. Although IMO they have never recaptured the magic they lost after Transistor. Their fans whined too much and halted the groups musical progess when they panned transistor and begged for a return to grassroots, resulting in the forgettable Soundsytem. They have shown spurts since then like they do on evolver, but it seems they never experiment and branch out like they started to do on transistor. Keep rocking 311!!!!
Evolver CD Review
This album is great. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride.
From energetic, rockin' songs like "Creatures" and "Reconsider Everything" to a melodic, mellow, yet powerful song like "Beyond The Gray Sky". Evolver has something for everyone.
Dancehall vibes on "Crack The Code" and "Give Me A Call" make those two of my favorites. And funk infused "Don't Dwell" also pleases the ears as a wide variety of music comes from this amazing group of musicians and people. They maintain the positive vibes that makes 311 the band they are.
I'm very pleased with the work put into this album. Go pick it up!! Happy listening.
311 Fan for life,
Dale
Evolver review
"Evolver" is a very, well, evolved sound for 311, and it's a great album, but not quite defined yet. However, it is a great basis for what can be an astounding new sound for this terrific band. 1.Creatures (For A While) - 5/5. Great rocker. Many changes, but all are catchy and goes back to 311's roots. 2.Reconsider Everything - 3.5/5. Good song, not one of the best on the cd, but not bad. 3.Crack the Code - 5/5. GREAT song. One of my personal favorite 311 songs. Great lyrics and awesome vocals from S.A., he shines on this one. 4.Same Mistake Twice - 3/5. Although I like it when they play live, it seems really misplaced on this cd, ok song though. 5.Beyond the Gray Sky - 4/5. Nice song, with great lyrics. Very chill and laid back with a nice guitar solo props to Tim. 6.Seems Uncertain - 4.5/5. Very nice, acousic mellow song, although something missing from making it a GREAT song. 7.Still Dreaming - 3/5. Doesn't fit well with the rest of the album, kinda feels like filler, but ok song 8.Give Me A Call - 4.5/5. I like this song a lot, one of the songs i look forward to hearing when listening to the CD. 9.Don't Dwell - 4/5. Good song, not great, but good. 10.Other Side Of Things - 5/5. AWESOME song. Very oldschool 311, but sounds just gets you pumped out, which 311 does perfectly 11.Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm - 4.5/5. I've never heard a song quite like this from 311, but it works very well, I'd like to hear more songs like this by them. So there you have it 45.5/55 (82.7%). A good 311, but not a great one. It is worth your money if you're a fan, go buy!
Such a fitting title
To keep things concise for all the true 311 fans out there and for those looking to experience the amazing ride that this band takes you on, I'll review the album in 2 categories. 1. Music: After 6 previous studio albums, it's clear to see that the band has continued to push their composition to a new level. Evovler is a fitting title because the first 4 tracks are upbeat and in the typical 311 "stylee"; the next 3 tracks are slower, dub/dancehall style which is also trademark 311; the next three are back to the same upbeat rock style and then a slow closer w/ a sick bass line groove. Basically the whole album has a bit of the new and some old school 311 flavor. "Crack the Code" and "Give Me A Call" will sound like something right off the Music or Grassroots album. 2. Lyrics: Just when I think that 311 runs out of things to say, they hit you w/ 11 really mature tracks. Each track has it's own unique quality about it. "Beyond The Gray Sky" deals w/ a friend committing suicide, something many people would be able to relate to and something 311 had not talked about in their previous albums. Overall, an amazing production by 311.
Very Well Done
I've been familiar with 311's music for a few years now. Of course, I enjoyed songs like "Down" and "All Mixed Up", but I didn't start to become a fan until "From Chaos" was released in 2001. "From Chaos" was a great album, and I was excited to hear that "Evolver" would be released soon. I don't think it was a huge step up from what was done on their last album, but it is great to hear them unleash on the first single "Creatures (For A While)." This album has a variety of styles in its tracks, such as the dancehall/reggae numbers "Crack The Code" and "Give Me A Call". The straightahead punk tunes "Reconsider Everything" and "Other Side Of Things". And the acoustic songs (which is something you don't hear from 311 very often), "Seems Uncertain" and "Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm". SA really stands out on this album. If you are a fan of 311, or if you don't know them well, I suggest you give this album a shot. Highlights: Creatures (for A While) Reconsider Everything Crack The Code Other Side Of Things Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm
excellent
i used to hate 311 at one point. i dont know what got me into them but this cd is a major player in it. their mix of musical style and talent is excellent. i cant stop listening to it. pick it up as soon as you can.