311, Awolnation and Neon Trees @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre, Charlotte, NC 8-11-24

“3-11, 3-3-11!” The chants were already beginning early in the afternoon as fans lined up at Skyla Credit Union Ampitheatre for The Unity Tour. The tour features reggae rockers and headliner 311, AWOLNATION, and Neon Trees. 311 always brings out a crowd of hardcore fans and today’s show in Charlotte was no exception.

Opening the show was alternative rockers Neon Trees, who are on tap to release their fifth studio album ‘Sink Your Teeth’ this September. Led by lead vocalist Tyler Glenn, Neon Trees is a unique blend of pop, alternative rock, and dance music. In true Neon Trees fashion, the band had the crowd on their feet dancing and singing. Glenn is not only an accomplished vocalist, but he is also an amazing frontman. he worked the crowd up front in the general admission pit as he held his microphone stand high in the air. Drummer Elaine Bradley also gave a standout performance behind the kit whether pounding away on her drums or providing just the right amount of backing vocals. If you’re heading out to The Unity Tour, be sure to get there on time for an energetic, fun-filled time with Neon Trees.

Up next and hailing from Los Angeles, was AWOLNATION. The band hit the scene hard back in 2011 with their debut album and hit single “Sail” and hasn’t lost a step since. Aaron Bruno was on fire with his stage show as he danced, swayed, pointed at the crowd, and leaned back with his mic stand. He did a great job getting the audience involved with the show, quoting a little Whitney Houston and asking who the best dancer was. Unfortunately, his vocal performance was off tonight and things just didn’t sound right. Even when performing a cover of “Song 2” by Blur and their hit single “Sail,” Bruno just couldn’t get it together. I hope it was just an off night and things improve for him for the rest of the tour.

After a short break, it was time for the main event as the “3-11” chants began again in earnest. The stage was dark as drummer Chad Sexton made his way out to his kit which was surrounded by a metal wire type barrier. He held his hand high in the air to salute the crowd before becoming hidden by his kit for most of the evening.

The rest of the band came out and hit it hard with Beautiful Disaster.” One of the fun things about a 311 show is the setlist changes each night. All the hits are there, but you never know what order they are coming in and what surprises may be thrown into the mix. Nick Hexum was outstanding on lead vocals and guitar as he led the band through a solid set.

The whole band sounded amazing with lead guitarist Tim Mahoney ripping it up and vocalist and turntablist  Doug “SA” Martinez rotating between spinning at the back of the stage to moving back and forth across the front of the stage. Bass guitarist “P-Nut” Wills gave an amazing performance during his bass solo and had his signature light-up fretboard going all night.

My favorite part of a 311 show is always the drumline which happen during “Applied Science.” A variety of drums and percussion instruments are brought to the front of the stage and each band member really shows off their skills. It’s a unique and much-looked-forward-to part of any 311 show. Of course, no 311 show would be complete without the band taking us “Down” which they did as their final encore song to close out a spectacular show filled with amazing moments.

The Unity Tour rolls on through the end of August before 311 spends most of their fall hitting up various music festivals around the country. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the best alternative rock lineups of the summer!