311 und Dirty Heads

311 - that’s pronounced ‘three-eleven’, for the uninitiated - have to be one of the most sonically-diverse bands ever to sell eight and a half million records (that’s in the U.S. alone). Over the course of eleven records and twenty-five years, they’ve veered between straight-up alternative rock and some more diffuse offshoots thereof; they’ve dabbled in rap and funk, and even reggae, whilst you’ll find some heavier, harder stuff too, if you look closely enough.
Highlight of the calendar year, if you’re a 311 fan (and American) is of course the 11th of March (or 3/11) - 311 day. Over the years, the band have marked it with spectacularly lengthy sets that surely challenge both the legs and attention span of even the most ardent supporter; the current record, set back in 2004, stands at 68. They’re probably not going to be getting close to that when they next tour the UK, but you can expect them to tear through a career-spanning set with little in the way of distractions; frontman Nick Hexum isn’t really one for stage banter. They’re probably one of those bands who are never really going to go looking for a crossover - they’ve got an ardent enough cult fanbase - but the sheer energy of their live shows should be something that most can appreciate, even if they’re perhaps musically a little esoteric for a mainstream audience.

The Dirty Heads are quintessential band to listen to. Their music defines the ”laidback, at the beach, with the year round perfect weather” atmosphere of Southern California. Being a born and raised Southern Californian I was so excited when I found out they were part of the lineup at my university’s winter music festival, I knew that I needed to see them live. Despite my making a big deal and rushing my friends to get to campus to catch the Dirty Heads, I missed about half their set. BUT…they were so good that it is still one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen.
While we were waiting in line to get into the performance area we were able to catch the tail end of “Believe” because their stage was right by the entrance. By the time we reached the back of the crowd, they had started their rendition Rolling Stone’s “Paint it Black.” And while nothing compares to the original, putting their own unique brand of reggae-ska-punk sound made it one of the best I had ever heard.
They closed with “Lay Me Down” which even Duddy B had said, “we’re going to close with the obvious song that you all know best…” This definitely hyped up the crowd even without the actual presence of Rome (his vocal tracks were present however). Throughout the entirety of the song, the audience sang along to every word, and Duddy B’s vocal really could have been enough.

Atmosphere is my most favorite band out there right now. It is a musical trio, with slug on the mic with ANT, and Mr. Dibbs. The rap music that these three create is incredible and hits very close to home.

The lyrics are always about "the struggle" and how to keep your head up high in a time when its not so easy to do so. Atmosphere has gained such a large following in the underground scene.

When asked to join major music labels Atmosphere has refused in order to avoid selling out and making their fans mad. Atmosphere is about the music and sending positive vibes rather than the money and the corruption it brings.

When on the mic, Slug kicks it out of the park. He is never off beat or forgetful of his lyrics. You can literally hear the joy and passion in his voice when he raps, which is usually something rare with rappers now a days.

Overall, Atmosphere is the most genuine artist out there. They have and always will be about the music which is what drives this trio to victory. Do not miss these guys live! They are the best thing that has happened to music!