Uplifter (Deluxe Version)

iTunes Review

These Omaha-bred music vets have been marrying rock and rap since 1993, and are also pros at throwing funk and reggae in the mix. For the quintet’s tenth album, Uplifter, producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Simple Plan) joins the fold to help create a heavy, alt-pop album with a generally sunny disposition. A wall of guitar provides the initial onslaught on “Hey You,” and then this thunderous blast is wiped clean, creating space for a knee-bending groove that calls to mind Sublime. Several tracks follow this formula to varying degrees, which is a good thing. The general vibe on Uplifter is akin to surfing an open ocean: tranquil moments of peaceful melodies get punctuated by crashing waves of power-pop choruses (“Golden Sunlight,” “Daisy Cutter,” “It’s Alright”). Zen-like “Too Much Too Fast” calls to mind the honesty of the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, but 311 also embraces its funky side. “India Ink” is a rollicking, heavy groove in the vein of Rage Against the Machine, and mosh-pit-worthy “Jackpot” finds vocalist Nick Hexum and rapper SA sharing the mic in vintage 311 form.