The world of rock is turbulent.
It's common for members of bands to come and go. Bands such as U2, with the same personnel after 40-plus years are rare.
Few lineups in the world of rock are intact after a generation has passed but that's so for 311.
The eclectic group has had the same lineup since 1992, before the Internet and cell phone era commenced.
Only one member of 311, which formed out of Omaha in 1988, left the band.
“I think that has had an impact on our music,” vocalist-DJ Doug "SA" Martinez said. “We know each other as well as possible. We’re good friends. This group is like a pair of jeans that five brothers wear. We’re that tight.”
The quintet’s connection and its unique sound have enabled 311, which will perform Friday at Ocean, to thrive. It’s an unusual sonic combination of pop-rock, funk, reggae, hip-hop and jazz fusion.
“I think it’s a good thing to sound like no one else,” Martinez said .”That’s especially so in this age when everybody sounds like everybody else. It’s not something that we consciously try to do. It’s just something that has always happened.”
The band has never followed trends.
“But we had hits even though we followed our instinct,” Martinez said. “It’s so satisfying to have success when you don’t follow what everyone else has done.”
The band’s eponymous 1995 release went triple platinum thanks to the groove-laden singles ‘Down’ and ‘All Mixed Up.’ The band has consistently racked up decent commercial numbers. More than ten million 311 albums have been sold to date.
“The fans have stayed loyal,” Martinez said. “It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were an unknown band slugging it out in Omaha.”
The band — which also includes vocalist-guitarist Nick Hexum, guitarist Tim Mahoney, bassist P-Nut Wills and drummer Chad Sexton — has plenty to draw from since the group has a deep canon.
2014's ‘Stereolithic" features the familiar, fuzzy guitar lines, upbeat raps from Martinez, funky bass and drums. It lacks the killer single that just about each 311 album packs. Nothing hits like the 2011 single ‘Sunset in July,’ which was a summertime anthem. Despite the lack of an overwhelming track, 311 earns points for rendering agreeable, diverse, celebratory tunes.
2017's "Mosaic" reflects the array of sounds the group utilizes. The album is primarily comprised of warm, upbeat and provocative songs.
Deep grooves, strong melodies and the dynamic vocal interplay between Martinez and Hexum are among the highlights throughout 2019's "Voyager."
Their latest album, "Full Bloom" features a breezy title track and the hook-laden "Mountain Top."
"We just try to be consistent," Martinez said.
And expect 311 to remain intact.
"I think we've stayed together for so long because we let each other breathe," Martinez said. "Time is taken for side projects and we genuinely enjoy being around each other. If that weren't so, we all still wouldn't be with this band."
It's a busy weekend, particularly with comedy.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will perform a pair of shows Saturday at Ocean. The Saturday Night Live alums have arguably the best comic chemistry of anyone on the circuit.
Tom Segura will perform Friday and Saturday at the Hard Rock. Expect new humorous anecdotes from the veteran humorist.
It's hard to believe that it's been a half-century since "Jaws" hit screens but the classic just turned 50.
"Jaws" will be screened Sunday at 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall.
Much is made of the shark attacks but the most compelling part of "Jaws" is the interplay between Captain Quint, Chief Brody and Matt Hooper.
In honor of the milestone, Quint's favorite brew, Narragansett Lager, will be served. There is no admission fee.
