311 • Stereolithic • INgrooves • Producer: Scotch Ralston • Score: 9 out of 10
Omaha’s genre-defying amalgam of hip-hop, reggae, funk and hard rock have released their 11th studio album. Stuffed with delectable rhythms and groovy hooks, Stereolithic strikes almost all the right notes. In its weakest moments, it leaves the impression they’re stuck in the ‘90s, as if they’re aping their glory days to rapidly aging Gen-X’ers. And their amiable lyrics, which prove a mega-ton of fun to warble along with, occasionally smack of cornball inspirational mantras rather than the spiritual insights meant to convey. Still, you’re unlikely to experience a more joyous recorded romp this year.– Andy Kaufmann
