The title of rock group 311's album, "Universal Pulse," can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. That's exactly what the group wants, said singer/DJ Doug "SA" Martinez.
"It is a whole being, a whole concept that involves everything and yet one little thing," Martinez said in a phone interview. "It's about a singular thing to one person, a lot things to other people, and about a whole lot of everything to others. It's what we are."
Martinez and the rest of the group -- guitarist and vocalist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills and drummer Chad Sexton -- are on the road promoting their July 19 release with a tour that stops at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on Saturday night with special guests Sublime with Rome.
"We are excited about this new record, because it's time that we have something out to promote on our summer tour, and besides, I feel really good about this one," Martinez said. "I think there's a lot that's going to come out of this album."
311, while classified as a rock band, have mostly been known for their reggae beat tunes and vibe throughout their 21-year career. "Universal Pulse," however, has turned to a little bit heavier of a rock sound, with a bit of distorted guitar in every track on the record.
"It wasn't anything concious, or pre-determined, it just turned out that way," Martinez said. "We went into the studio and started working on lyrics and rhythms and all that goes with it. The next thing we knew, a guitar riff sounded good and worked here, and worked there, and it became what it is."
The band's single, "Sunset in July" is sitting at No. 23 on the Billboard Rock Chart, and is gaining airplay and sales.
"It's a great summer song, especially for this year and this tour," Martinez said, "but in my opinion this entire record is full of great songs."
Martinez is especially fond of one track, "Weightless."
"That's ... one of the best I think that we have ever recorded," Martinez said. "I look for it to make a real mark on our career."
Martinez said that the band will continue on the promotion of "Sunset" through the rest of the summer, but doesn't really know what the future is going to hold as far as the next single.
"I don't know about any of that for now, simply because we haven't really gotten that far yet," Martinez said. "We're going to go out and rock it this summer, and then we will see about fall what's coming next."
Speaking of the summer tour, Martinez is glad that Sublime with Rome is joining them on the trek.
"What a great act to go out with, man," Martinez said. "It's like we all grew up with their hits, and it's a great set-up for us."
Martinez said that 311 will play "Sunset" for sure, but will rely mostly on their catalogue of hits and fan favorites.
"The record comes out July 19, so we won't be doing a whole lot off of there, simply because the fans don't know it yet," Martinez said. "We're just going to go out and give them a show full of what they really want to hear. Add Sublime to that, and it's going to be a blast."
Who: 311 with special guests Sublime with Rome
When: Saturday
Where: Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Tix: www.livenation.com
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/07/08/1778886/311-is-leaning-a-little-bit-more.html#storylink=misearch#ixzz1RYgQtLic
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