311 ready to uplift the stage with new songs for Charleston crowd (The Post and Courier)

Their music has been described as a fusion of hip-hop, reggae and funk all rooted in alternative rock.

Nick Hexum, Doug "S.A." Martinez, Tim Mahoney, Aaron "P-Nut" Willis and Chad Sexton make up the band, 311.

So it may seem like an odd pairing for the five Omaha, Neb., natives to work with record producer Bob Rock, whose catalog of material includes albums from bands such as Metallica and Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, The Cult, Veruca Salt and Simple Plan.

"Uplifter," the band's ninth studio album, is the heaviest of its career. However, the members all seem equally enchanted by the experience of having worked with the veteran producer.

The band cited Rock's knowledge and ideas as staggering. They also referred to the Canadian-born producer as a "walking encyclopedia."

"He's brilliant," Hexum said about Rock. "He's a good listener. His work with so many other bands has taught him how to cooperate well, and it's been a good influence on us."

"We've really grown as a band," Mahoney added, "and, hopefully, it shows on this album."

Willis also added that it was working with Rock that allowed 311 to actualize "the best album we are capable of."

"Uplifter," due to be released June 2, is a collection of 11 songs that inspires power.

"This album will crush," said Willis, after spending the better part of the last 12 months preparing the album, stopping only for last summer's Unity Tour.

Although it might be a sonic departure from previous efforts, "Uplifter" reflects the state of mind its members were in while they made it. Along with themes that deal with personal struggle, there is resolution.

It's been three years since their last studio release, but one constant has been their relentless touring schedule, which longtime fans have come to appreciate.

"On the touring front," said Martinez, "well, you know how we do. We're going to bring it and rock and continue to refine. Transforming as always with substance and style because it is real and there is no way to stop it."

"Music is our constant companion," Hexum said.