College Times

Issue date: 6/11/09 Section: Music

Media Credit: Courtesy Zomba Records

In the process of creating their newest release, Uplifter, 311 was quoted as saying that this will be their “hardest” album ever. But they must have meant that ironically.

The album has been a long time coming since 311’s last release with 2005’s Don’t Tread On Me. And after much anticipation, Uplifter is a bit of a disappointment, brought down by an unenergetic front man and trite pop sounds.


Listen to any of their past albums and Uplifter sounds like an over-doped, watered-down version of the same stoner rock sound. It might be a lot of things, but “hard” is a stretch, unless you’re comparing it to the soundtrack for Disney’s Jonas Brothers love fest “Camp Rock.”

There are a couple redeeming songs, though. “Jackpot” offers reprieve from the album’s mundane sound. The song’s sing-a-long style begs for it to be the new jump-up-and-down anthem for 311’s shows. Its guitar-heavy rhythm is reminiscent of better known 311 songs. It might also be the one “hard” song on the album.

“India Ink” has a blatantly alternative rock sound spliced with a sweet sitar solo, which was either a random addition to the song or the album’s only example of an eastern influence. Either way, it’s catchy and lovely.


Although it won’t create any new fans, Uplifter will pacify current ones until their next release.

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