Once again, 311 is making a name for themselves with yet another completely unique recording. Full of rock, reggae, hip-hop and, of course, funk, Soundsystem is a great combination and display of 311’s common musical styles.
Opening with a distinct guitar and harder rock sound, “Freeze Time” sets the diverse tone for Soundsystem. Following in a specific order are twelve more tracks that help create one of 311’s best recordings to date. “Large in the Margin” has a great reggae beat backed with a hard rock influence. Showing a completely different style are “Flowing” and “Life’s Not a Race”. Both carry a futuristic melody more mellow than any of their previous work. Instead of relying on the hard beat, these two songs stand out as more musical and rhythmic, something 311 should keep doing.
Other noteworthy songs on Soundsystem are “Strong all Along”, with crisp lyrics and slow rap interjections; “Sever”, which offers a taste of the classic 311 style; and “Eons”, with a cranking guitar and soft, lingering voice. It’s “Leaving Babylon” that ultimately shows off 311’s talent and creativity. This is one song that has it all: a catchy opening with rapid beat procession and distant lyrical echoes that remain long after the song is over.
311 has matured since their first release, Music. An obvious blend of Transistor and Music, Soundsystem hits a bit harder than previous recordings. It seems that they have found their groove in the music industry, and their growth through the years is reflected in this latest release. By dedicating an entire year to this recording, they have stretched their creativity further and appear more confident in their differentiating abilities. The inventive use of musical combinations and positive beats make Soundsystem one for your collection.
+ Ashley Adams
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