311 Keeps Sounding Fresh With New Album “Full Bloom”
–by Robert Wilkins
The 14th studio album from 311 has just hit the market. The album titled Full Bloom is the band’s first since 2019’s Voyager. You can hear the growth and maturity in the music on this album compared to some of their earlier work. That isn’t necessarily a terrible thing since their initial fan base is growing a bit older (just like the rest of us). The album however does not lose any of what made the band great initially and their music is still relevant with the younger audience.
311 has been around since 1988 and hails from Omaha, Nebraska. The name of the band is taken from the police code for indecent exposure after one of their friends was arrested for skinny dipping. The band are made up of vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, Tim Mahoney on lead guitar, Aaron Wills on bass and Chad Sexton on Drums.
The song “Full Bloom” is exactly what I would expect 311 to sound like. It gives me the same feeling as if their hits “All Mixed Up” and “Down” had a baby. There is a laid-back reggae quality that would be perfect for vibing to next to the pool or while on the beach. It is however not one dimensional as the song transitions back and forth between being laid back and having rocking guitars with synthesized melodies.
The song “Friend” is a bit different than I had anticipated going into this album screening. There is an atmosphere I can only describe as beautiful melancholy. It reminds me more of an early 90’s alternative or a 2000’s emo song than what I would typically expect from 311. I can assure you however, that it really is a lovely piece of art.
“You’re Gonna Get It” and “Braver” are my favorite songs from the album. Both songs have some of Nick Hexum’s trademark rap style vocals along with their trademark fuzzed out guitars. While both are up-tempo, “You’re Gonna Get It” starts slow and does not build until halfway through the song. “Braver” however, doesn’t waste any time. It comes at you right from the start and has the addition of a crunchy bass line.
311 have mastered the art of rocking out in a laid-back manner and without being “in your face”. Honestly, I never really knew much about them beyond their hits played on the radio. I may have missed out in the past and need to revisit their catalog. If its half as good as this album I will be looking to acquire some of their earlier material.
Be on notice that this could be your only chance to get something new from these guys. There are only have a handful of concert dates scheduled at this time so head on out, buy 311’s new album, and hopefully that will convince them to take their show on the road.
Full Bloom Tracklist:
You’re Gonna Get It
Need Somebody
Full Bloom
Friend
Mountain Top
New Heights
Days Go By
Persimmon
All You’ve Seen
Braver
This album has less “heavy” songs than the typical 311 album but still has solid energy. Depending on your tastes, the Grassroots album is their rawest rap rock style and funkiness. Transistor is trippy – basically a trippy, reggae, metal album – truly. It’s the kind of thing they pull off. Mosaic has their best modern rock work IMO. Some are just instrumental gold. Soundsystem could be the best guitar examples they have. Just lots of strong chords.
Full Bloom sounds like 311 updated for 2024. The songs are catchy and you can just imagine them rocking them with a huge live crowd going nuts. The production fantastic and the album sounds current. Chad’s drumming is next level on this album. Love it
311 has five members. The author left out Doug (SA) Martinez, whose vocals are paramount to the sound. In fact one track the author highlights, “Braver,” is all Martinez.
There’s no doubt they’ll be on the road, new album or not. They don’t need any convincing.