311 – Mosaic (2017)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 01:00:40 minutes | 736 MB | Genre: Rock
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download – Source: Qobuz | Front Cover | © BMG Rights Management (US) LLC
Omaha, Nebraska’s 311 has defied a specific genrefication for over two decades now. Pulling bits from the best of Rock, Reggae, Alternative, and Ska, 311 is a blended sound all their own. Connecting with listeners, 311 has the kind of relationship with their fans that runs far and deep. That said, the band’s twelfth studio album, Mosaic, is an artistic reflection of their appreciation to fans that go to show after show, supporting the band through their creative ride.
Nearly three decades into their careers, 311 unveiled Mosaic, their 12th album of fusion rock that continues their tried-and-true combination of reggae, hip-hop, and alternative metal. The fourth set produced by Scott “Scotch” Ralston, Mosaic extends the path of 2014’s Stereolithic – deeper lyrics and expert execution – except with a more exciting and uplifting vibe. The island influences make this an enjoyable summertime soundtrack, but aside from the outright tropical cabana vibe of “Island Sun,” Mosaic’s tunes are more fit for a sunset rager on a sweaty beach. “The Night Is Young” starts with a chilled-out groove courtesy of guitarist Tim Mahoney, bassist P-Nut, and drummer Chad Sexton, before doubling-down with a crunchy blast that kicks sand into the face of anyone who thought 311 were getting soft in their forties. “One in the Same” and “Hey Yo” are absolute assaults that also prove this point nicely. Such satisfying riffs and pounding drums abound on Mosaic, offering a bountiful handful of “classic” 311 tracks to “open up the pit,” as S.A. Martinez raps on “Perfect Mistake.” He continues, “This is life, man/All we do is jam/We’ll make you feel like a child/Again and again.” Indeed, the warm feelings of nostalgia continuously bubble up on “Too Late,” “One in the Same,” “Face in the Wind,” and many more. John Feldmann (Goldfinger, blink-182, All Time Low) joins the production team for a handful of entries, infusing ”Til the City’s on Fire” with a dancehall/pop-punk heartbeat that even includes a bass drop, and the contemplative “Places That the Mind Goes” with a distinct “Amber” energy. At a hefty 17 songs, Mosaic seems like it might overstay its welcome. However, with the amount of variety on display – a “mosaic” of sounds, if you will – the LP serves as an energetic soundtrack with thrilling peaks and blissed-out valleys, making it yet another gift to their dedicated fan base and another possible entry point for casual listeners who haven’t checked out the Omaha quintet since “Down” or “Love Song.” Closing with the anthemic “On a Roll,” Nick Hexum sings “Gonna keep it alive/We’re always chasing the sun/Writing words to a book/Another chapter’s begun.” It’s a triumphant declaration from these vets, a rousing promise that the party has yet to end.
Tracklist:
01 – Too Much To Think
02 – Wildfire
03 – The Night Is Young
04 – Island Sun
05 – Perfect Mistake
06 – Extension
07 – Inside Our Home
08 – ‘Til The City’s On Fire
09 – Too Late
10 – Hey Yo
11 – Places That The Mind Goes
12 – Face In The Wind
13 – Forever Now
14 – Days Of ’88
15 – One And The Same
16 – Syntax Error
17 – On A Roll
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