311 – Evolver 2LP NEW 180G Hot on Sale

311 – Evolver 2LP

NEW. SEALED.

Remastered reissue on 180 gram vinyl.

Volcano Records

311 are the grizzled graybeards of alternative music. For nearly ten years their funkified, left-field take on the rap-metal zeitgeist has been soundtracking dormitory keg parties — that s a thousand lifetimes for some of these fly-by-night alt combos. In that stretch they ve had their ups (1994 s Grassroots) and their relative downs (the clunky Transistor), but they ve always stayed creative, quietly building a reputation for consistency. In keeping with the band s creational verve and veteran status, Evolver at first seems to be their Statement Album, complete with a hilariously overwrought cover painting, and that snarky referential title. But it s a bit misleading because musically, the album turns out to be built from the usual 311 components. It s not their best work, but fans will enjoy it and there s little of the filler that s plagued the past few offerings. Creatures [For a While] is Evolver s Come Original, its inescapable riff wrapped around stinging snare hits and S.A. s endearing annoying drop-ins. Crack the Code and Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm account for the stylistic departure portion of the album, the former drifting lightly between dubby electronica and an S.A.-sung rasta rock lilt, the latter weaving acoustic guitar and echo around co-vocalist Nick Hexum s earnest lyricisms. Feel free to get a refill during these songs. However, with Same Mistake Twice, an explosive standout, Evolver hits its best stretch, followed by Still Dreaming and Give Me a Call. The tracks embody each tenet of 311 s sound, from synth-based atmospherics through thick guitar chording, unique vocal phrasing, and bleary eyed reggae interpretation. Though it looks like a statement album, the prog masterpiece that the fizzling Transistor never was, Evolver is actually a rephrasing of what 311 s always been saying. In a word, it s reliable. And isn t that what veterans are for?