311 Return With 14th Studio Album, “Full Bloom”
After 5 years, 311 have returned with their fourteenth studio album “Full Bloom”, and are as dynamic, joyful and optimistic as ever. Originally formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska, the band are regarded highly by both casual listeners and dedicated fans because of their distinct fusion of rock, reggae, funk and rap.
Collaborating with Colin “Doc” Britain, Scotch Ralston, Tim Pognotta and Elisa Noll to produce this record, a rich interpretation of the old and a flourish of the new has been shown to fans across the world. The band has entered a renaissance and continues to bloom fully, this year alone having toured Japan for the first time in 10 years alongside a European tour and upcoming shows in Australia.
Their first single off the album, You’re Gonna Get It is the band’s highest charting song in 13 years, breaking into the top 15 at Alternative Radio. Nick Hexum’s strong, mesmerisingly mellow voice kicks off this introspective track, reflecting upon the realisation that all actions have consequences. Heavy guitars and lyrics that pack a punch start this album off on an energetic high note.
Need Somebody was the most recent single before the album's release, emphasising the theme of the record of unity, and the importance of community through the lens of communication and connection. SA Martinez chants ‘Don't get caught up in the undertow, move quick, it’ll take you out’ before the pre-chorus, adding a bounce to the kick in of the chorus itself. Luscious bass lines laid down by P-Nut paired with chirping guitars from Mahoney paint a bright soundscape for the listener.
Full Bloom is a perfect embodiment of the concept of the album. Pairing this song with the record's art-work provides a blossoming of nostalgia and sunny optimism, delicate oranges and blues unwrapping around the psychedelic licks of guitar and warbling bass. The opening lyrics ‘I got a record to play ya, like back in the day,’ are simply adorable and lean into a world of innocence and wonder. This is my personal favourite track off of the album, the trippy funk of guitars and the harmonies leave a delicate portrait for the listener.
Friend slows down the album for a second, gliding guitars soar through rich vocals telling you ‘My friend, this is not the end’. Music has always been a unifying force for 311, and through their lyrics and melodies, they seek to remind everyone that we are never truly alone. Having someone to talk to is one of the most essential forms of support, and it’s the foundation upon which unity is built. ‘I heard that friends are worth more than gold, look back with a good laugh, to have and to hold,’ are important lyrics and a good takeaway from the overall concept of the album.
The next portion of the album is packed with a new playing field of experimentation of sound and style, while still taking distinct embellishments from their past albums. Mountain Top features a hypnotic drum and bass persistence, Sexton providing a rhythmic, intricate percussion for P-Nut to beautify effortlessly. Creativity oozes out of each note the group shares with one another, always having something new to say or intriguing to play, leaving no dull moment on the album.
Their diverse collaboration on this album helped keep a string of consistency throughout each track, while also allowing the more unique ones such as New Heights and Persimmon to have their own space in the tracklist to thrive vibrantly. The slight shift in genres comes naturally with each track, as they all feel like homages to where the band have been in the past.
All You’ve Seen and Braver are the perfect combination to wrap the album up. Whilst the former has a sunnier disposition, leaning more so into the distinctive rhythm of reggae, the latter breaks into a crisp riff and steady rap verses. A hopeful momento is laid out to end the record, with SA and Hexum chanting ‘Braver than anyone’.
“We hope fans can take from this album 311’s message of positivity and unity. In today’s world it’s so easy to become alienated by the pressures of everyday life. Whether it’s social media, stress at work, an illness, the list goes on.” The band shares. “It’s so important to stay open with your loved ones and community so we can all thrive in full bloom” shares the band.
311 have shown fans world wide that they are still the high energy, hopeful and passionate powerhouse we all remember and love, and have no plans on stopping soon. Not only should “Full Bloom” be a reflection of that, but it should also leave the listener feeling warm, inspired and ready to take on another day.
311 will be returning to Australia this December for Good Things Festival alongside Korn, Sum 41, Violent Femmes, Electric Callboy and stacks more.
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