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.


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