Evolver

by 311

Overview

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? ~ Johnny Loftus

Product Details

Release Date:	04/19/2014
Label:	Volcano
UPC:	0888837610216
Rank:	6252

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Creatures (For a While)
2. Reconsider Everything
3. Crack the Code
4. Same Mistake Twice
5. Beyond the Gray Sky
6. Seems Uncertain

Disc 2

7. Still Dreaming
8. Give Me a Call
9. Don't Dwell
10. Other Side of Things
11. Sometimes Jacks Rule the Realm
12. Coda

Album Credits

Performance Credits

311   Primary Artist
S.A. Martinez   Vocals
Chad Sexton   Drums,Percussion
P-Nut   Bass
Tim Mahoney   Guitar
Nick Hexum   Guitar,Vocals
Joe Lynch   Director
Steven Oritt   Director

Technical Credits

Saint   Engineer,Producer
S.A. Martinez   Composer
Joe Gastwirt   Mastering
Chad Sexton   Composer
Zack Barnhorst   Engineer,Digital Editing
Mike Allen   Artwork
311   Producer
Tim Mahoney   Composer
Matt Hunter   Studio Technician
Nick Hexum   Composer
Dan Levin   Design,Layout Design
Chris Waltes   Artwork
Christy Greenwood   Artwork
Daniel Wates   Studio Technician
Louie Hozwell   Artwork
Todd Hickey   Lighting
Amber Vantris   Photo Coordination
Jeaneen Lund   Photo Assistance
Marguerite Olivelle   Artwork
Ron Ulieny   Concept,Photography,Art Direction
D. Martinez   Composer