Blog #156: 311

Anybody into the 90s ska-rap-rock scene?

Tonight, Jolson and I went to a 311 concert, which was amazingly random and just kind of weird. He got the tickets for free through an app he uses to find concerts nearby, and although 311 isn't really a group we listen to often, we're not the kind to turn down free concert tickets. Ya feel me?

We arrived to find our seats were much better than expected, in the center and relatively close to the stage. Dirty Heads opened for 311, and they were cool. We couldn't stop laughing at the ridiculousness of finding ourselves at a 311 concert in Chicago for free. Then 311 came on... and we were shook.

So like... 311 is kind of a unique band with a very different sound. Although they've been making music consistently for almost 30 years now, the best way to describe them really is "90s ska-rap-rock." It's a little grungy, a little groovy, and a decent amount weird. Jolson and I knew approximately three of their songs walking into that show, but again, we had free tickets and were just there for an adventure.

Turns out, 1) we knew more of their stuff than we thought, 2) we liked way more of their stuff than expected, and 3) they're releasing an album in a week and played some of the stuff from it for the first time in front of a crowd, and it was pretty sick. We kept just looking at each other and laughing from shock. It was a weird and surprising night.

Anyway, if you need to find me in the next week, I'll be listening to 311's new album.