As stoked as I was about “Stereolithic,” my excitement was unfortunately short-lived. 311 has always possessed a unique musical style with elements of ska, reggae, punk and rock embedded in their sound. What was delivered had a crunchiness that just didn’t add up.

As opposed to the reggae flow that older songs like “Amber” and their rendition of The Cure’s “Love Song” exhibit, most of the tracks on “Stereolithic” tend to lean more toward an alternative rock feel. The band has lost a lot of its rhythm and blues sound by cutting down on the bass and implementing elements of electric guitar and harsher vocals characteristic of punk or garage rock.

“The label system is corrupt; they’re so incompetent with their ability to bring any value to the table. It’s just a rip-off,” Nick Hexum, band frontman, said in a December article for Billboard.com.

Hexum’s philosophy is showcased in the band’s new, less mellow vibe and its decision to independently release “Stereolithic” through its own label, 311 Records.

Songs such as “Friday Afternoon” and “Five of Everything” are reminiscent of older days, while most other tracks, including “The Great Divide,” give off a much grungier feel. For general fans of grunge, “Stereolithic” might actually be a perfect musical fit as the album is a deliberate break from authority and the expectations of the music industry. The track shows this through the lyrics: “We’re breaking away from the past/Reaching a new plane at last.”

A favorite from this album is “The Call,” which starts off with heavy guitar but is actually very similar in sound to one of their older albums from the ‘90s to the early 2000s. The song is fast-paced and uplifting in a subtle way: “Pull back the curtain ‘cause one thing’s for certain; actions speak louder than war […] You’ve got to stand up while you can, don’t miss the call.”

Although I can appreciate the difference in 311’s sound if I try, there’s nothing stopping me from passing on “Stereolithic.”

Listening to my old favorites, I’m reminded of the 311 I truly miss, relaxing and reminiscing days driving down to the beach in California. If you’re open to change, “Stereolothic” may not be as much of a disappointment, but don’t spend money on it.

★★★☆☆

arildefonso@mavs.coloradomesa.edu