Stuff that pops into my head. Innit.

Thursday 7 July 2011

Incubus - If not now, when?

I could never work out why Incubus weren't more popular. A bunch of good looking guys -apart from the guitarist- who played radio and MTV friendly poppy rock with a bit of an edge. It sounds like a recipe for global success, but, alas, it wasn't. Whether it was the rise of "Nu-Metal" or the fact that they sometimes descended into the realms of Prog-Rock pomposity, Incubus' career never quite reached the heights it could and should have.
But now it's 2011, roughly 10 years after their popularity peaked and they've released a new album- an album which apparently showcases a more mature side to the band.
Yeah, I'm not sure about that either.
Halfway through listening to this, it's becoming clear that the band have used "mature" as a simile. While that would have been fine if mature had been likened to smooth, or even considered, it hasn't been.
Here, mature means dull. Or forgettable. Maybe even dreary.
It has its' moments,  mostly provided by singer Brandon Boyd and his trademark vocal gymnastics - but he's all too often let down by subpar arrangements and production. There's a couple of shrill and squeaky clean ballads on here that could fit straight onto on of those fathers' day special CDs - and that's not a good thing.
Overall, this album isn't exactly bad -there's some decent musicianship and Boyds' voice to redeem it- it just seems a bit half arsed, a bit "that'll do".
Very disappointing.

Incubus yesterday, being mature.





Ps. I'll do a State of Origin wrap tomorrow, when my bitterness has subsided to manageable levels.

5 comments:

Nate said...

I hate when bands come back abruptly, I also hate Queensland.

All in all, I concur with this post.

Anonymous said...

I haven't listened to Incubus in years and honestly didn't even know they were still a band, so imagine my shock.

But let me ak you....are you a Foo Fighters fan? If so, have you checked out their new album, because I personally think it is wonderful. I have been listening to it almost on a constant loop for a week or so now.

PS: Yeah, hi.....I have returned (kinda).

fizzee rascal said...

Hey Nate, long time no see. :) Glad about the agreement.

Amber- Foo fighters? Not really, I liked their first album, the rest that I've heard were not at all my thing, but I'll give it a listen on your reccomendation.

And yeah, Hi.

Emma said...

I think their new single is catchy enough to gain them some new fans. Their promotional idea to promote their new release is also pretty unique. They're performing live from 10am-8pm in an LA storefront window, from June 30th - July 13th. If you get a chance, you should definitely check it out: http://www.incubushqlive.com/

fizzee rascal said...

Emma, do you work for their label?