Don't Tread On Me
311’s place in rock ‘n’ roll history seems secure. Unfortunately, so does its sound. Unlike other funk-inflected acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even Incubus, 311’s never fully expanded on the promise of its initial musical vision. OnDon’t Tread On Me, the band’s eighth studio release, P-Nut and the gang  seem intent on mining the same familiar terrain they have since their 1995self-titledclassic. Fans of albums such as 2001’sFrom Chaosand 2003’s promisingEvolverwill likely findTreadfamiliar and perhaps even comforting, but it’s unlikely to invite a new horde of fans as the album often sounds like an imitation of the bands 311 helped inspire in its decade-plus career. There are some nice touches. "Speak Easy," "Waiting" and many of the other tracks evoke images of sandy beaches and warm summer breezes, but none are strong enough to helpDon’t Tread On Mestands out from the herd.--Jedd Beaudoin