311 plans return to early sounds

A little less "Amber" and a bit more "Grassroots." That's the ideal for P-Nut, bassist for 311, who will play the USANA Amphitheatre on Thursday night.

He said that the band's next studio album is probably going to be closer to its early sounds. While he doesn't necessarily want loud and fast — even while referencing System Of A Down's style as an inspiration — he would definitely like more aggression.

That sound would be a change from 311's more recent efforts, which he described as "safe," where they have incorporated softer music and more melodic vocals. While it's a softer style than the band members played during their early albums, it's also a style which has netted them some of their biggest hits, such as "Amber," "Beautiful Disaster" and a cover of The Cure's "Love Song."

Even the latest album, 2005's "Don't Tread On Me," had a number of (relatively) quieter songs, despite the seemingly angry title. "I think we can play in a 'grassroots' style, and the next album will be more like that, even if it is going in a lot of other ways. People like us because we're diverse, not because we can carry great melodies."

Unlike many of 311's fellow bands, whose popularity peaked during the 1990 heydays of grunge or rap rock, 311 has actually survived just about every musical trend of the past two decades. A big part of that is a confluence of styles that come together for their unique and still popular sound, which is part hip-hop, part rock, part reggae, part punk and part surf.

"We're music junkies and love a little bit of everything," P-Nut said. "We find good sounds, even when it's not really music we really like."

They also continue to be a popular concert draw and one of the few non-jam bands that inspires fans to follow its tours. This summer, 311's status as concert heavyweight has also allowed the bandmates to be joined by one of the greatest reggae bands, The Wailers. "It's pretty close to having the Beatles open for us, at least in our minds. Their music with Bob Marley had that kind of an impact on us."

Another advantage of their continued drawing strength is a biannual chance to indulge their own aspirations, and their fans' fantasies, with a marathon concert on March 11. This year, however, their concert — which can last upwards of six hours and includes more than five-dozen songs — was disappointingly moved from New Orleans because of the hurricane damage.

Ideally, they will be able to return to a rejuvenated Big Easy in 2008 for the concert.

"It's probably my favorite place," P-Nut said about New Orleans. "It has this relaxed vibe and a culture that is completely unique in America."

If you go

What: 311, The Wailers, Pepper

Where: USANA Amphitheatre

When: Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

How much: $38

Phone: 467-8499 or 800-888-8499

Web: www.smithstix.com

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E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com