Creed. Train. Nickelback. Hinder. Bands that all sound similar and kept making albums and doing big tours even though nobody I know, and probably nobody you know, can tell you anything about those groups other than the fact that they exist. Add 311 to that list of faceless bands with phantom fans who nonetheless keep those players in picks and drumsticks, with an inexplicably lengthy discography of music that could best be described as paint-by-numbers alt rock as if composed by a focus group. The beats, solos, mellow passages, and layered finales all follow the same tired and true formula, a rock-and-repeat sleight of hand that works in the hands of a band with actual songwriting chops, like AC/DC or ZZ Top, but comes off like your dad’s Classics Illustrated adaptation of a rock song in the hands of those who’d rather sell than serenade. House of Blues has enough faith in 311 to book them for a two-night stand on March 5 and 6, though they’re hedging their bets with two different support acts. Orange County punk rockers Zebrahead (which has a new compilation out this month called The Bonus Brothers) will open the first show, while ska-punk band Save Ferris will appear on the second night.