Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 07/12/1994
A stylistic improvement over its predecessor,
Grassroots presents a more focused and inventive
311, evenly balancing the band's
rap-metal intensity with
reggae vibrations,
Grateful Dead-like jams, and hallucinogenic
ambience. Perhaps one of the 1994's most underrated releases,
Grassroots artistically ignores corporate
rock's temptations of conformity, which consequently threaten the possibility of mainstream airplay. Despite suffering from relative obscurity,
311's sophomoric effort remains an invigorating listen, and its multi-tempo compositions flow together remarkably from the grinding guitar assault of
"Homebrew" through the laid-back Caribbean groove of
"1,2,3." In addition,
Nick Hexum's and
S.A. Martinez' potent alteration between
rap and melodic vocals represents a polished development over
Music's comparatively inferior efforts. While
Grassroots lacks any hit-worthy singles, it does offer plenty of highlights including the rhythmically eclectic
"Omaha Stylee," the desirous sing-along
"8:16 A.M.," and
funky hip-hop/
rock hybrid
"Applied Science." The album's remaining tracks prove equally essential as they individually piece together the
Grassroots puzzle, which combined provides a splendid overview of
311's signature diversity. Unfortunately, the overall muddy production undermines
P-Nut's bass wizardry and transforms
Chad Sexton's drumkit into an assemblage of garbage cans and cardboard boxes. Despite the less-refined outturn,
Grassroots remains
311's finest moment artistically, and listeners of
Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Sublime, and
Rage Against the Machine will find this CD an indispensable addition to their music collections.
~Jacob N. Lunders, All Music Guide
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