311 - Full Bloom (October 25th, 2024) Album • Page 3

But why?

 

Because it's bad.

 

I was really looking forward to it and liked what I had already heard, but the rest of the album was so strange. Sort of bland and meandering which is NOT what my experience has been with this band.

Definitely their lightest and softest record in their discography which again is the opposite of what I was anticipating.

 

Still gives no context or explanation , just a generic opinion.

 

Ok.

 

This post betrays no emotion, adds no context, offers no insight. You have to respect the commitment.

 

Replace "this post" with "Full Bloom" and that's a proper description of the album.

 

Actually offers plenty of insight. Makes it clear to me that it’s a butthurt 311 “fan” that still wants them to sound just as they did in the ‘90s.

 

Don't know that we really need to use a term like this.

 

There’s nothing wrong with this album other than it came out the wrong time of year.

The aesthetic and vibe of this whole album just screams Spring time. I mean…the album is even called Full Bloom haha.

I’ll definitely need to be in a certain mood to turn this album on though. I prefer heavier 311 most the time, but I’ll always appreciate and take new 311.

Braver rules though.

 

I actually like a lot of the songs individually but as a collection of songs I get a little burnt out. The energy nosedives with track 4 and doesn’t come back until the final song.

FWIW, it’s a pretty cohesive record with a definitive theme to the message and sound but… I like when 311 has some high-energy rockers contrasted to the chill stuff.

 

I mean I’m not trying to instigate at all, here for constructive conversation, which clearly they are not.

 

I will agree that “Friend” - which also seems to be getting the most hate from the fanbase - derails the energy a bit …. I LOVE the vibe of the next several tracks tho….

to me it’s just a welcome addition to their catalog - I don’t see why fans gatekeep so much and have decided unequivocally what they think all 311 albums should sound like. It’s somewhat upsetting.

 

Braver rocks, it’s a nice surprise since there’s not a lot of SA on this album. Need Somebody might still be my favorite track but I also dig Full Bloom and You’re Gonna Get It. The rest of the songs range from not bad nice 311 to a bit more interesting. Though I like their other recent albums more I still agree that’s it’s a welcome addition to their already expansive discography.

..and still better then Don’t Tread On Me which is the least I can ask for.

 

It’s a good take here - the few borderline unlistenable 311 tracks for me are on DTOM ….

 

I do think there are some pretty well-written tracks here, and I do believe it will grow on fans. I think the initial shock of the mood and tone of this album is what's causing the knee-jerk reactions (thanks in no part to Nick's completely bonkers description of "311 on steroids").

It has already grown on me more than I thought it would. That was still one of the stranger first listens I've ever had with a 311 album (it reminded me a little of hearing Evolver for the first time because it was NOT what I expected). I almost felt a little bored and was not grabbed by a single track which has not been the case with the last...5 albums? But now it's finally starting to settle.

 

I mean come on, Nick. Why would you release "You're Gonna Get It" first, say the phrase "311 on steroids" a dozen times to describe the album, highlight that you guys brought several Drop D songs to the table.....if you knew it was a chill, easy-listening record? haha

 

This almost sounds like someone asked AI to make a 311 record.

 

Who is Al?

 

This does kinda sound like a 311 album written by a soul artist such as Al Green.

 

Allen Iverson?

 

Hexum gonna Hexum lol.

 

Fair point. I wasn't actually trying to be a dick, just sort of completing a bit which obviously went spectacularly.

 

I think the album combines the worst of DTOM and Uplifter.

Like DTOM, the bleak band dysfunction leaks into not just the music but the album cycle. But as bad as DTOM is, it has a handful of song I return to frequently.

Like Uplifter, the songs are Nick in "I'm a singer now!" mode. I'm a bit of an Uplifter apologist, if only because Too Much Too Fast is top 3 from the band for me. But aside from some other nice moments, it's hollow.

The big selling point for the album seems to be, "it's okay, set the bar low, at least it's new music". And I get that for sure.

But for me, I'm at a point where this quality of music from them isn't something I feel the need to add to rotation. I'll toss the title track, Need Somebody, and Braver into my running / chores mix on my phone, but that's about it.