No.68 - ‘Mosaic’ by 311 (2017)

“Illuminate the shadow, and try to keep the light within; Avoid another battle, and forget what might have been; How do I keep it? How do I keep it here…”

‘Evolver’ was the first 311 album I owned, and, whilst thoroughly enjoying it, it was much more a showcase of their mix of rap funk punk metal. The more I dived into their back catalogue, it was certain songs that I latched onto; ‘Beyond the Grey Sky’, ‘Amber’ and ‘Beautiful Disaster’, ie, their ska/reggae influenced songs.

‘Mosaic’ is almost fully ska inspired with mixes of the classic 311 sound, which I would describe as a relaxed Rage Against The Machine on a beach. It is probably their most poppy album to date, but the songs are incredibly infectious. The quality of production on this album is excellent also, and that’s mostly down to Goldfinger singer and producer Jon Feldmann’s handywork.

The rap funk metal is still prevalent, in songs like ‘Too Late’ and ‘Perfect Mistake’ which have the classic 311 feel and are great songs. Hexum’s vocals are great also. I love the calm tone of his unmistakeable voice. Normally I am drawn to character and emotion in vocals, but it feels like the recorded the whole thing whilst lying on a sun-bed in a tropical island with not a care in the world. 

311 formed in 1988 and hail from Omaha. Their name being taken from the police code for indecent exposure…after their original guitarist was arrested for streaking. They have 13 studio albums! ‘Mosaic’ reached No.6 in the US Billboard 200. It is available on vinyl but not in my collection.

Favourite songs - The Night Is Young, Perfect Mistake, Too Much To Think, Too Late, Hey Yo

Other great albums - Evolver (2003), Voyager (2019)