Review Summary: Who the fuck is Amber?
Like any other great band, 311’s core sound is difficult to label under a specific genre; Hip-hop? Reggae? Rock? Safe to say, their amalgamation of these different styles is seamless, and on no other album is this juggling of genres better exemplified than on their sophomore effort,
Grassroots.
The Nebraskan quintet was given a voice by the dynamic duo of the smooth Nic Hexum, and the vivacious Doug “SA” Martinez. Rapping and crooning, the team showcases a tangible chemistry that pulls the record together. One of the record’s greatest facets, as paradoxical as it sounds, is the silliness. The corny, juvenile lyrics exemplify the band’s self-aware and infectiously fun-loving spirit; opener
Homebrew speaks of hilarious recounts of an acid trip, while
Salsa even sees the singer spitting fluent French, before shamelessly dubbing it “nonsense”. At times, the lyrics may take away from the overall package, as lines such as “311 has grassroots for your momma” are definitely cringeworthy. However, Hexum and SA definitely bring their A-game with great philosophical lines juxtaposed with humorous quips, atop crunchy riffs, blistering bass grooves and indelible beats that combine hip-hop, alt. rock and ska skillfully.
Which brings us to the music, the backbone of the record. 311’s knack for combining aggressive rhythmic sections with huge choruses is incredible; the energetic
Omaha Stylee and the live staple
Applied Science prove this. However, the record also features more psychedelic lounge cuts such as the tranquil deep cut
Lose and the sublime closer
1, 2, 3. The gritty, spacious production serves to amplify both the heavy and psychedelic nuances in each song, allowing bassist P-Nut to shine in moments such as the break in
Nutsymtom.
Juggling so many different styles and textures,
Grassroots has its fair share of standouts. The title track remains one of 311’s best tracks to date, featuring frenetic verses with chunky rhythms, a funky chorus and a simple yet pretty mellow break, all the while asserting the two things 311 represents; “grass” (if you know what I mean) and sticking to their “roots”.
Taiyed, the record’s shortest and most charismatic song, wastes no time in asserting its brilliance, starring a guitar solo that takes up half its runtime. Elsewhere, the cantankerous
Silver features three of some of the record’s best riffs, while the romantic
8:16 A.M. showcases the band’s softer, more melodic and funky side.
Overall, 311’s sophomore effort stands the test of time as the band’s greatest achievement, featuring immediately accessible staples and heavy ska grooves along with hazy funk tunes, all the while balancing everything out with a substantial dose of charisma and energy. Though the band has switched up its styles substantially towards a radio-friendly approach,
Grassroots represents everything that makes 311 so great. If you’re looking to kick back and rip a bong, this album will be your favorite company.
