311: Universal Pulse

311
Universal Pulse
ATO Records [2011]









Fire Note Says: Tired slick formula holds 311 back on the groups 10th album.

Album Review:
I can truthfully say that I had higher hopes for the return of 311 after 2009's lackluster Uplifter but Universal Pulse does nothing to rise above. The first strike is bringing back Bob Rock for a slick production because I think the band's early grit is exactly what is missing. The second strike is only coming up with 8 tracks that play out under 30 minutes. If they were all really tight and winners I would not argue this fact but other then ending quickly, I can't find an advantage of not including more tracks. The last strike is the album cover as it just seems like a distraction. Universal Pulse wasn't for me as I believe my expectation was much higher but longtime fans may still enjoy several tracks here like the bouncy single "Sunset In July" and the more rocked out "Rock On". Within these tracks, 311 show off some of their old selves but it just does not happen enough as Universal Pulse sounds like a band going through the motions instead of challenging themselves.

Key Tracks: "Sunset In July", "Rock On", "Time Bomb"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Sugar Ray
Weezer
Sublime

311: Uplifter [Fire Note Review 6/15/09]

311 Website
311 Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony