Night two of 96.5 the Buzz’s XXX-Mas bash at the Midland featured headliner 311…
When confronted with 311, most people fall into one of two groups; the people who absolutely love the band, love their evolution from alternative to rap-rock, to funk, to pop rock and own at least two 311 T-shirts, one of which is dark blue with the band’s logo in silver on the chest.
Then there’s the other group…
The people who kind of like some of 311’s more melodic songs, like a lot of the stuff off of Transistor, but feel like they will have to kill again if subjected to 311’s biggest commercial hit, 1995’s “Down.”
Those are the only two possibilities.
No one really hates 311 and it’s easy to see why. They make mostly mellow, unconfrontational music with just a tinge of an edge to it. And they’ve been doing it for a loooong time, starting off in 1988 in Omaha – 1988! Can you believe it?!
We sent out KCC commando Katie Grogan to get the goods on these rockers that are old enough to be her dad, but still resonate with younger folks as well.
Seriously, P-Nut would be the coolest dad ever…
Photographs by Katie Grogan
And?
Cool photos, but how was the show?
I’m not afraid to admit I’m a fan. Even stayed with them thru the mostly uneven mellow phase of recent years. Haven’t seen them play live in a few years, but their latest album, “Universal Pulse”, was sort of a nice return to form…some reggae beats, crunching guitars, a little more “edge” to it. Left out all the filler from previous records, clocking in at just under 30 minutes. Should have been able to play alot of it, I would think. Interested to know how that stuff went over.
I wish I could tell you, pb…
…but I couldn’t make the show unfortunately. I’ve seen 311 over the years a couple times, though, and they are always cool live. Maybe Katie could fill us in a little more on how they sounded. Katie?
Agreed
Very good live act. I think that’s why they’re one of the few bands that’s been around so many years, but is still able to remain somewhat fresh by constantly turning over their audience and capturing a new wave of younger fans. I really give them alot of credit for that as there aren’t many acts that attempt to or can pull off that trick.