Don't Tread on Me (2005) 311's specialty is jolly pop-punk with occasional reggae trimmings, and the L.A.-based quintet is very good at what they do. Problem is, what they do… 311 Rock
Music Review

Don't Tread on Me (2005)

311
Reviewed by Tom Sinclair | Aug 15, 2005
311 | 'TREAD' LIGHTLY (From left) P-nut, Chad Sexton, Tomothy Mahoney, Nicholas Hexum, and Douglas Martinez
Image credit: 311: Robb D. Cohen / Retna
'TREAD' LIGHTLY (From left) P-nut, Chad Sexton, Tomothy Mahoney, Nicholas Hexum, and Douglas Martinez
EW's GRADE
C

Details Release Date: Aug 16, 2005; Lead Performance: 311; Genre: Rock

311's specialty is jolly pop-punk with occasional reggae trimmings, and the L.A.-based quintet is very good at what they do. Problem is, what they do isn't very good. Earnest, workmanlike, inoffensive — these are not qualities we look for in the bands we take to our hearts. Intermittently catchy melodies help a bit, but not enough on Don't Tread on Me to counter the overwhelming aura of by-the-numbers blandness.

Originally posted Aug 12, 2005 Published in issue #834-835 Aug 19, 2005 Order article reprints