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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A more mature 311.. but still excellent stuff, September 13, 2005
In their new album, Don't Tread on Me, 311 predominantly show their collective mellower side. It's not a bad thing by any means. But the album is slower, has much less rapping, and much more of an "island" feel to it. It's an incredibly great album to simply chill out to. But after hearing so many of their albums that incorporate elements of rock, rap, reggae, and punk, one can only wonder why they toned down the party atmosphere they became known for. The answer? They've grown up. The members are now all over 30 years old. Don't get me wrong, they still crush live. A 311 live show is like a 3 hour party that attracts all walks of life. But sometimes there's a need to just move on. AC\DC should explore this idea instead of putting out the same album 10 times over. 311 may be a little guilty of this in the past few releases. But Don't Tread On Me defies that perception with the breezy undertones of songs like "Frolic Room", "Speak Easy", and "Whiskey and Wine", the latter featuring an awesome reggae breakdown by singer/guitarist Nick Hexum.
I dock one star because the only trace of hip hop on this CD is found in "Solar Flare", a song I feel is not up to par with rap-tinged 311 classics like "Freak Out" and "Down". It only features singer/turntablist (I don't hear any scratching on this album?) SA Martinez doing the rap verses, and Nick singing pre-choruses. Subpar at best. So basically, we hear no Nick Hexum rapping at all on this CD. A shame, considering the white boy from Nebraska has some of the craziest flows to ever grace the industry (see the song "Hive" from their critically-acclaimed self-titled album - 10 years old and still light years ahead of most of the music industry).
But that doesn't stop me from enjoying this CD immensely. Tim Mahoney's crunchy guitar work on "Long For the Flowers" gives way to an almost Santana-esque solo that's all-too-short. Man, can that guy wail on guitar. Easily one of the most underrated guitarists of our day. P-Nut needs no introduction - listening to his string-slapping on "It's Getting OK Now" is downright delightful.
Excellent album from 311. It doesn't have the party feel that some old-schoolers are used to, but hell, I'm getting old too. While listening to Don't Tread on Me, one cannot help but feel the need for a white sandy beach, a rum punch, and bright sunshine - an immensely appealing thought.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Melodic, tight and focused, October 20, 2005
"Don't Tread On Me" shows 311 stomping over familiar musical territory with the greatest of confidence and precision, while at the same time adding a few new twists to their musical mix. The leadoff title track is a good indicator of where this album will head: its intro teases one with the promise of a good rock groove, then abruptly switches to a bouncy reggae vibe with typically tight drumming from Chad Sexton and an super-bouncy P-Nut bassline. "Thank Your Lucky Stars" may be one of 311's most poppy tunes, with an excellent chorus straight out of a classic-rock songbook. "It's Getting OK Now" gives Tim Mahoney a chance to stretch his chops, and "Solar Flare" begins with some excellent distorted bass and becomes the only real "classic" 311 rocker on this disc.
What some have taken issue with are the mellower, groovier tracks like "Waiting," "Getting Through To Her," and "Whiskey & Wine." If you are a fan of songs like "Amber," and "I'll Be Here Awhile," you'll like these songs, and this album. 311 gets credit for always sticking to their guns while exploring new songwriting and stylistic possibilities. The songcraft on this album is superb and mature, harmonically and melodically.
Musically, the singing on this album is the real standout, particularly Doug Martinez's vocals. He performs the only raps on the entire album ("Solar Flare"), but his voice has never sounded better, whether taking the lead on tracks like "Getting Through To Her" or harmonizing with Nick Hexum. Martinez is definitely the standout of this disc; buy for his vocal performance alone. Highly recommended 311 album.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Listen... It's different... but still fantastic!, August 26, 2005
Look, 311 gets probably one of the most mixed reviews as a band that I have ever seen. Half love the reggae-dub influence and half love the rap-rock style. I love both and appreciate what these guys bring to the table from both sides. I see reviews bashing this saying it isn't up to par with "classic" 311. I disagree. I think the old "blue" album sound was getting stale by the time "From Chaos" was released. They're maturing. It started with "Evolver" and continues with this album. They are moving to a more melodic and laid back style and I think it fits them well. Don't Tread On Me is a great example of how a band that has been together this long can adapt their styles and keep things fresh. I disagree 100% with the offical amazon review. This album is anything but rehashed old material. They sound so much different now than 10 years ago and that's a great thing. People need to evolve. This album is much more mellow than any other 311 album but the quality is still there. While I agree that if you hated 311 before this album won't change your mind, as a huge 311 fan it is a step towards new ground and a really fresh sound and that is what will keep the "true" fans of 311 happy forever. I mean if you love their old sound so much pop in their old records!! My Highlights are: Don't Tread On Me, Frolic Room, Waiting, Speak Easy. Thumbs Way Up!!
PS: I LOVE "Transistor"
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is one of 311's 
