Pogo Place: 311 is 'Original' in sound

By Summer Mendoza

"You've got to trust your instinct and let go of regret. You've got to bet on yourself now star 'cause that's your best bet." Nick Hexum of 311Oh yes, this is a bit late, but you knew I had to do it. This week's column is all about 311 and their new album Soundsystem. The fifth full-length offering from the Omaha natives (not counting Live or Omaha Sessions) was nearly two years in the making, but it was worth the wait.

Soundsystem is a mix of the band's earlier sound Ñ heard on the first two major label releases, Music and Grassroots Ñ and the mystical sound of Transistor, yet has it's own distinct elements. Most dominant of these sounds is the mix of reggae and tropical music (heard really clearly on the first single "Come Original").

With the new album, 311 continues with its trademark upbeat and positive music, as well as the blended mix of rock, reggae and rap that made them popular. However, the lyrics this time around have more of the shallow, scratching the surface quality of their pre-record deal days, leaving behind the depth reached on Transistor.

The new album is even a visual change of direction. Long gone are the distorted band images and cosmic imagery of the band's long time collaborator Pawn Shop Press, and in its place are bright cartoon images of speakers and turntables, stars and cars, and pretty straight forward pics of the band and palm trees.

Don't get me wrong, change is not a bad thing, but to me, this album doesn't sound like two years of work.

So what do I like about this album? Well, a lot. The songs still get your head nodding and your toes tapping, and the essential elements of 311 are all there. The vocal amalgamation of front-man Nick Hexum, and rapper/DJ SA Martinez are as tight as ever, and the rest of the band Ñ bassist Arron "P-nut" Wills, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, and drummer Chad Sexton Ñ all show their skills have not wavered in the past two years. Though P-nut's bass is not as prevalent as it's been in the past, it is still there.

My favorite songs on the album are: "Flowing" Ñ which really shows of the blending of Hexum and Marinez's vocals, "Sever" and "Come Original." The latter of which gives the band's view on the slew of cross-genre artists who are now really popular, like Korn and Limp Bizkit, while 311 has been doing the same thing for a longer time.

All things considered, Soundsytem is a good album, but not a great album. I think long-time fans are more likely to enjoy it than new listeners. To new listeners, I recommend you try Grassroots first.

Happy Birthday Leggy, Mommala, Auntie AydŽ and Samson! Kevin Smith is the coolest!