The 8th album from 311 loaded with reggae vibes and a laid back atmosphere, Don’t Tread On Me bring us into the world known distinctly as 311. Strangely, however, SA seems stand out on this album unlike any since possibly self entitled of Transistor. SA’s vocals compare that to Transistor, but the album does not.
311 is
Nick Hexum- Vocals & Guitar
SA- Vocals & Cuts
Chad Sexton- Drums & Percussion
Tim Mahoney (miT)- Guitar
P-Nut- da Bass
1. Don’t Tread On Me- 3.5/5- Good song but I have a problem with it. I know that everyone likes it but I find that this is a song where 311 tried to throw together everything that they’ve played before and call it new. Too many styles of music forced into one song. Catchy but repetitive as well. The lyrics are about standing up for yourself and individuality. The highlight is the bridge with some good 311 rocking out. The odds are you’ll like this song so check it out first.
2. Thank Your Lucky Stars- 4.5/5- I really like this song especially the chorus and SA’s lyrics. A good song with a simple guitar riff. The verse lacks in originality, but the song is reminiscent of Visit or Lucky from their earlier records.
3. Frolic Room- 3.5/5- Ok here’s where I start to get a little aggravated with this album. I don’t mind the laid back feel this part just sounds too pop for my liking. With a reggae guitar intro and then a rock chorus with the pop lyrics doesn’t really work. Not a bad song I’m just not a fan of it. I think this would have done better as a single because I think all the pop fans would love it.
4. Speak Easy- 5/5- Thank god they put this here because I might have stopped it after the previous song. This song sounds nothing like any other 311 song and SA’s voice is completely different. A very mellow song one to just cruise to in a convertible on a sunny day. The song starts out with some nice guitar and amazing cymbal work by Chad. The chorus is the high point of the song, some of Nick’s best singing on the record. SA’s singing is definitely worth good acknowledgement. Probably one of the best songs on the album. Make sure you give this song some time, it took me awhile to open up to it. I would have preferred this to be the single, mainly for its originality and positive message.
5. Solar Flare- 5/5- Interesting song to follow Speak Easy. Definitely old school 311 reminiscent of the blue album. The distorted bass intro is amazing followed by almost metal drums then into the hard rapping of SA (the only on the record). The chorus is awesome and completely different than the rest of the heavy song, much more toned down, but it mixes perfectly. If you’re looking for heavy 311 or just something to shake your head to, here’s your best shot.
6. Waiting- 3.5/5- Ok yet again I begin to get aggravated with the album at this point. First it’s out of place. A happy reggae song right after Solar Flare? It’s not a bad song it just once again doesn’t sound like 311 and sounds a lot like Frolic Room. Yet again anyone into pop you’ll like this song more than me. This is probably my least favorite song on the album.
7. Long For The Flowers- 4/5- I don’t know what to think of this song yet. Some weird guitar effects in the song. A good guitar riff to bring you into the song but I’m not sure if the vocals match the riff. The solo at the end is good nothing spectacular but good. But the vocals are awesome I wish the song was more like that. Almost a filler song but worth a listen. Maybe after a few more I’ll like it more.
8. Getting Through Her- 4/5- Good Song. SA singing like Speak Easy is perfect for the guitar line and adds his mark on the song. The bass is really good, no bass solos but the bass lines are really fast and good, blows my mind. The guitar in the chorus is also good. More of a chill out song again. The bridge is nice with a nice guitar riff more rock oriented but mixes with the song nicely. But right after that bridge another verse comes in but sounds completely different from the other parts and the bridge, maybe it’s another bridge. Good song fits well with the album.
9. Whisky & Wine- 5/5- Definitely another chill song and distinctly 311 reggae. The first verse it’s so laid back just sounds amazing. The chorus is what stands out, even though extremely simple lyrics, SA makes it sounds so good. This song is a lot like Speak Easy and even better. I find with the song lacking a lot of vocals it adds more emphasis on the music which is dope as hell. I like SA’s lyrics and the only part I don’t like a whole lot is when Nick’s sings in the middle. Damn that SA can sing! My favorite song on the album.
10. It’s Getting OK Now- 4.5/5- I like the weird voice bringing you into the quick guitar riff. SA’s lyrics once again add a totally different vibe to the song, giving it more of a laid back feeling even with the busy line in the background. The vocals and the guitar like usually are the highlight of this song. There’s a nice rock guitar solo about half way through which gracefully flows back into the chorus giving a very upbeat vibe and like usual 311, the song ends abruptly.
11. There’s Always An Excuse- 5/5- Very reminiscent of Sometime Jacks Rule the Realm from Evolver. Not necessarily the same but you get the picture. Not a whole lot of vocals in the beginning but gives a good laid back vibe matching perfectly with the album’s central vibe. Strangely though a hard rock line comes in about half way through to make the sounds more driving then abruptly ends with piano chords (not typical 311), then right into a reggae bridge. A very nice guitar solo follows, the best on the record and straight up miT. The ending is good a lot although a simple repeating of “There’s always and excuse when u need one,” it drives home the message and a very good ending to both the song and the album.
Overall the album is definitely worth a listen to but don’t be surprised if you don’t enjoy the album the first time. A bit of a let down to me at first, but has gotten better every listen. A great album for anyone into 311, rock, reggae, or even pop. Like Transistor (although the album sounds nothing similar DAMN) DTOM takes several listens to start to like. More of an album to sit back and chill too. The only let down is this seems like a collection of songs not and album the central theme tends to be laid back but some songs divert from this theme leaving me at a loss to what the theme is. However, the songs are very good except for 2 maybe 3 and would suggest to anyone to purchase this record. Enjoy.
Overall – 3.5
Best Song- Whiskey & Wine or Always An Excuse
Songs to check out- Speak Easy, Solar Flare, Always An Excuse, W & W
- Tom Pusateri
