Incubus

[Ripe(withdecay)]

I've been a big fan of Incubus since Make Yourself came out, I was like 5 years old when I heard "Drive". They have really made some good albums this past decade and looking forward to more in the future. What do you think about Incubus?

[Reznor2112]

Love Incubus.

Didn't like If Not Now, When? at first. But, I am impressed that they decided to make an entirely different record than what they are known for. I am hoping that the next record will be a little harder like Make Yourself but unlikely.

They played over 4 new songs on Letterman recently...


http://youtu.be/0n-EN33g5fY?hd=1

The rest are on their vevo page.

[mfte]

Is it just me or is this kicking a serious DFA1979 vibe in the chorus?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl6d6CF9yKU&index=4&list=PL6kOrOxWCSpmeQaP _3Fv0UpS4OFIPnyU7

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

^^^ It honestly sounds like lostprophets "A New Transmission". I deff hear DFA1979 too though. Man, what happened to Incubus :(.

[mfte]

New single.
These guys really need to stop saying they're going back to their roots because it makes people think SCIENCE and Make Yourself. They did the same thing before ACLOTM.

This sounds like something in between ACLOTM and Light Granades. It's alright I guess.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTfKLP6ZHwU

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Sounds very crow to me, but I can dig it. I think "Back to their roots" is more in line with Make Yourself days... we'll see soon since the album is coming out way earlier than I expected.

[bobbie solo]

Song is fine. That's about the best you're gonna get from them now. Sad. Not winning. Baby. Low Energy. Not big league.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Glitterbomb (http://loudwire.com/incubus-8-album-details-new-song-glitterbomb/)

[mfte]

Glitterbomb (http://loudwire.com/incubus-8-album-details-new-song-glitterbomb/)

Jesus. Here i thought that Korn was late to jump onto the Skrilex bandwagon. Jose's drumming was often the redeeming factor of some of the less good Incubus songs so its extra dad that they replaced him with electronic too late to the part bro step percussion. Post Morningview releases often went against my taste but t least they always did their own thing. Theres not way i can sanction this garbage.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Jesus. Here i thought that Korn was late to jump onto the Skrilex bandwagon. Jose's drumming was often the redeeming factor of some of the less good Incubus songs so its extra dad that they replaced him with electronic too late to the part bro step percussion. Post Morningview releases often went against my taste but t least they always did their own thing. Theres not way i can sanction this garbage.

I have to respectfully disagree here. I thought despite the fact that Sonny co-produced and mixed the entire album, you can still here the sonic rumbles from Jose's drums in there, along with the rest of the band. I wouldn't go as far as to say they aren't doing their own thing since that was one Incubus song in a LONG time that actually got me singing along and bobbing my head. The song to me is blended pretty dam good, and holds almost every style that the band has brought fourth. It has a A Crow Left Of The Murder feel, along with Nimble Bastard and I can totally deal with that.

[mfte]

I have to respectfully disagree here. I thought despite the fact that Sonny co-produced and mixed the entire album, you can still here the sonic rumbles from Jose's drums in their, along with the rest of the band. I wouldn't go as far as to say they aren't doing their own thing since that was one Incubus song in a LONG time that actually got me singing along and bobbing my head. The song to me is blended pretty dam good, and holds almost every style that the band has brought fourth. It has a A Crow Left Of The Murder feel, along with Nimble Bastard and I can totally deal with that.

Ok I admit. i wrote that after having a few drinks. The song isn't bad. In fact I think the song is a cool mix of Crow and Light Granades. I has a bit of a Nirvana vibe. I don't like that the drum samples backing the kick and snare or how loud they are. They shoudlve turned the guitar up instead.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Ok I admit. i wrote that after having a few drinks. The song isn't bad. In fact I think the song is a cool mix of Crow and Light Granades. I has a bit of a Nirvana vibe. I don't like that the drum samples backing the kick and snare or how loud they are. They shoudlve turned the guitar up instead.

Hahaa, no worries. I realized I used "Their" instead of "There" and that just made me shake my head.

Glad you found some more redeeming qualities in the track. I do agree with the drums in here after a few more closer listens; the guitar seems to be drowned out like you said, and even in Nimble Bastard. Intrigued about how this album will sound a a whole.

[mfte]

They put out a music video which is irrelevant. The interesting thing is that this version of the song is mixed much different than what they initially released. You get the idea of what these new songs sounded like they let Skrillex beat off all over them.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlA_rQ2JfCA

[cahernandez]

Didn't know Mikey was going to be in Hans Zimmer band (look at the photo at the top of the article, he's not mentioned in the article): https://consequenceofsound.net/2017/04/hans-zimmer-kicks-off-first-ever-north-american-tour-with-spectacular-34-song-performance/

Pretty cool :)

According to Hans' FB, Mikey will join him during the European leg of the tour.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

So the new album is out, and it is way more enjoyable than If Not Now, When?. It sound a bit more focused, and seems like they wanted to go back to a more earthy sound on these harder hitting tracks which are very, very welcome here. Besides a silly filler track that made me laugh but is just so out of place (Seriously, throw that shit in at the end of the last track) it is a solid release from a seemingly fizzling band. Loneliest, Love In A Time Of Surveillance, Throw Out The Map, and Nimble Bastard all stand out to me here.

[mfte]

So the new album is out, and it is way more enjoyable than If Not Now, When?. It sound a bit more focused, and seems like they wanted to go back to a more earthy sound on these harder hitting tracks which are very, very welcome here. Besides a silly filler track that made me laugh but is just so out of place (Seriously, throw that shit in at the end of the last track) it is a solid release from a seemingly fizzling band. Loneliest, Love In A Time Of Surveillance, Throw Out The Map, and Nimble Bastard all stand out to me here.

There are a few good track on here. I can't get over how much of I hate Skrillex's involvement. Especially on the more rockier tracks. The guitars sounds scoooped and quiet and the kik/snare have been replaced or layered with samples and turned waaaaay up. At one point I thought that I accidentally turned the bass eq up on my phone BUT no that's the way the record sounds. Whatever he did tends to work better on the more laid back quieter tracks.

I would love to hear the original Dave Sardy mixes. Judging from the original Nimble Bastard mix they we going for a sound that was much more raw. It's nice to hear Kilmore in these songs as he tended to be turned down on a lot of their albums. I think that the album has some really good vocal performances. I always wished that Brandon would push his voice to the point of breaking more which happens a few times here.


On an unrelated note I don't know why Light Grenades isn't praised more. I think its way better than Crow, which for some reason is revered. LG is the most experimental things theyve done since the early days.

[eversonpoe]

There are a few good track on here. I can't get over how much of I hate Skrillex's involvement. Especially on the more rockier tracks. The guitars sounds scoooped and quiet and the kik/snare have been replaced or layered with samples and turned waaaaay up. At one point I thought that I accidentally turned the bass eq up on my phone BUT no that's the way the record sounds. Whatever he did tends to work better on the more laid back quieter tracks.

I would love to hear the original Dave Sardy mixes. Judging from the original Nimble Bastard mix they we going for a sound that was much more raw. It's nice to hear Kilmore in these songs as he tended to be turned down on a lot of their albums. I think that the album has some really good vocal performances. I always wished that Brandon would push his voice to the point of breaking more which happens a few times here.


On an unrelated note I don't know why Light Grenades isn't praised more. I think its way better than Crow, which for some reason is revered. LG is the most experimental things theyve done since the early days.

i had no idea skrillex was involved with this. count me out. i was considering listening to it but god i fucking hate that asshole. seems harsh but i'm usually pretty kind so i get to be angry about a few things ;)

as for "light grenades", it's boring as hell. it may be experimental but i think most of the experiments failed. mike did some of his most consistently amazing guitar work on "crow", the songwriting is unconventional while somehow sounding super inspired by the police, and it flows perfectly. light grenades is just...yeah, boring. i got through it once and was so disappointed.

[mfte]

as for "light grenades", it's boring as hell. it may be experimental but i think most of the experiments failed. mike did some of his most consistently amazing guitar work on "crow", the songwriting is unconventional while somehow sounding super inspired by the police, and it flows perfectly. light grenades is just...yeah, boring. i got through it once and was so disappointed.

oh yeah? I think songs like Rogues, Pendelous Threads, Paper Shoes, Look Alive, Punch Drunk are some of their best and most focused post Morning View.

The thing I could never stand about Crow was the muddy drums, the vocals sitting really loud in the mix and Brandon was really getting into doing that stupid falsetto.

Its hard liking this band... you listen to something like The Oddyssey they did for Halo and think they had the potential to be a band like The Doors meets Mars Volta... instead they peddle mostly pop songs.

[henryeatscereal]

I do like "Light Grenades", but now this band says nothing to me; i might check "8", just for curiosity...

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

There are a few good track on here. I can't get over how much of I hate Skrillex's involvement. Especially on the more rockier tracks. The guitars sounds scoooped and quiet and the kik/snare have been replaced or layered with samples and turned waaaaay up. At one point I thought that I accidentally turned the bass eq up on my phone BUT no that's the way the record sounds. Whatever he did tends to work better on the more laid back quieter tracks.

I would love to hear the original Dave Sardy mixes. Judging from the original Nimble Bastard mix they we going for a sound that was much more raw. It's nice to hear Kilmore in these songs as he tended to be turned down on a lot of their albums. I think that the album has some really good vocal performances. I always wished that Brandon would push his voice to the point of breaking more which happens a few times here.


On an unrelated note I don't know why Light Grenades isn't praised more. I think its way better than Crow, which for some reason is revered. LG is the most experimental things theyve done since the early days.

After more listens, I can say that the mixing could be better, but I wouldn't call it awful. The new mix of Nimble Bastard is a huge departure from the original. What I cannot understand is why they didn't go with the sound they went with for Glitterbomb and the last three tracks? It feels like I am listening to a completely different album for the last portion of songs. It bothers me to no end that they can make material like "The Odyssey" and not just freaking run with it. They have the talent, but it seems like they are just in autopilot at this point. I really wonder what transpired between the release of "Trust Fall: Side A" and their decision to make a full album. That EP was fantastic, the band sounded cohesive and driven, and a sound I wanted to hear more of.

As for Light Grenades. I am on the complete reverse with your opinion. I feel like Crow was the most experimental they have gotten since the early days, and Light Grenades was bringing back the poppy stuff. But to be honest, Grenades holds pretty much all of their sounds from the past in one album. When was the last time you heard Brandon scream like he does in the title track? (Which is one of my favorite songs from them ever along with Look Alive). Light Grenades starts to lose me after Earth To Bella Pt.1. Crow is an album I can play from beginning to end and be engaged the entire time. I just realized that I may like their unreleased/b-sides a bit more than a lot of their main releases.

[mfte]

Im 3 beers in (adult size) and I have to rant about this a little further. Listening to the breakdown of No Fun and fully recognizing that cheap ableton Flanger applied to the entire mix makes me sick. I was a Skrillex fan until this. He had his place.... ughh... Incubus got with a "cool" "indie" producer and fucked it all up by bringing that kid in. I am at least interested in hearing what the live version of some of these song sound like

[mfte]

new music this year?

https://www.altpress.com/news/incubus-start-ninth-studio-album-2019/

[eversonpoe]

new music this year?

https://www.altpress.com/news/incubus-start-ninth-studio-album-2019/

hopefully it'll be better than the last one :/

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

They need to break out and go true to their roots to be honest. It will most likely never happen, but I strive for a Science/Crow mixing sound. Just rock the fuck out already.

[eversonpoe]

They need to break out and go true to their roots to be honest. It will most likely never happen, but I strive for a Science/Crow mixing sound. Just rock the fuck out already.

<3 <3 <3

that is exactly the album i want from them.

[bobbie solo]

These guys bum me out. Come on...pull it together fellas!

[Jord]

As long as they keep Skrillex away from this next one it'll be fine. Not that I didn't enjoy 8 or anything, but it's been done now, they don't need him all over this record too.

[mfte]

Didn't the say they were going back to their roots on 8? hahah
I wonder what Brandon will sound like. A lot of footage from this last tour had him sounding like he was constantly loosing his voice.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Didn't the say they were going back to their roots on 8? hahah
I wonder what Brandon will sound like. A lot of footage from this last tour had him sounding like he was constantly loosing his voice.

Yes he did. Don't get me wrong, there actually were some glimpses on 8 as far as some more earthy tones, but it felt like they wanted to go in a completely different direction at first. 8's track listing is also a mess; it doesn't flow at all.

I really thought we were going to get more of a sound like we did on the Trust Fall EP, and they scrapped the rest of that idea all together. The track Light Grenades and Look Alive is the sound I kind of want and have wanted...


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5zpDEdoQXlg


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4MX_CKyuuFc

[halo eighteen]

20th anniversary tour for Make Yourself this fall...

[ImTheWiseJanitor]

20th anniversary tour for Make Yourself this fall...

I’ll admit that I haven’t had a lot of interest in their recent work, but I’m totally on board for a Make Yourself-centric tour. First album of theirs that I listened to (and fell in love with). Gonna have to catch up on the newer stuff!

[bobbie solo]

They're playing coy with how much of the actual album they're gonna play. I wouldn't buy a ticket until you see a setlist. They're DEF. not playing the whole album, and will be playing alot of newer material too based on the message from Brandon:


We are so looking forward to this fall tour. ‘Make Yourself‘ was such a pivotal moment in our band and we are beyond excited to reintroduce this album to our audience while also showcasing the many musical roads it ultimately led us down. See you soon!

Fuck that. I don't trust them. After sitting through some syrupy love ballad from the EP that was out around the time they toured with Deftones, I am scarred for life. Gonna wait & see.

[bobbie solo]

Buyer Beware..what if they play THIS:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDUEKeXDCr4&amp;ab_channel=IncubusVEVO

[Jord]

Buyer Beware..what if they play THIS:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDUEKeXDCr4&amp;ab_channel=IncubusVEVO

I love this one! It's that awful Dance Like You're Dumb that I can't stand.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

I adored the Side A EP when it came out. I thought they would have ran with a sound like Trust Fall, but instead we got a messy, uneven album. I haven't heard any Make Yourself songs live in years, so I'll take what I can get.

But Radio City Music Hall? Come onn...

[ickyvicky]

Debating on whether to go to Radio City Music Hall or Foxwoods...

[Jon]

Well, seeing Incubus on the riverfront in 3 days is going to be interesting (we're in sandbag fortress mode). I have no desire to see any of the other bands that are part of our (embarrassing) Spring Fling. The setlist looks a little bland overall, but "'Sick Sad Little World" is back towards the bottom. I've always felt that was a weird one in the middle of a set.

[bobbie solo]

They're playing coy with how much of the actual album they're gonna play. I wouldn't buy a ticket until you see a setlist. They're DEF. not playing the whole album, and will be playing alot of newer material too based on the message from Brandon...

Guess who was completely wrong?!? Denver setlist:




Privilege (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Privilege)
Nowhere Fast (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Nowhere+Fast)
Consequence (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Consequence)
The Warmth (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=The+Warmth)
When It Comes (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=When+It+Comes)
Stellar (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Stellar)
Make Yourself (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Make+Yourself)
Drive (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Drive)
Clean (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Clean)
Battlestar Scralatchtica (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Battlestar+Scralatchtica)
I Miss You (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=I+Miss+You)
Pardon Me (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Pardon+Me)
(slow version)
Out from Under (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Out+from+Under)
Into the Summer (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Into+the+Summer)
Vitamin (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Vitamin)
In The Company of Wolves (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=In+The+Company+of+Wolves)
State of the Art (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=State+of+the+Art)
Megalomaniac (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Megalomaniac)
Dig (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Dig)
Wish You Were Here (https://www.setlist.fm/stats/songs/incubus-1bd68944.html?song=Wish+You+Were+Here)

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Everything here is wonderful with the exception of Into The Summer. I think I can honestly say it has become my most hated Incubus song, ever

[Kodiak33]

Everything here is wonderful with the exception of Into The Summer. I think I can honestly say it has become my most hated Incubus song, ever

It's really terrible.

[bobbie solo]

it's slightly better than Make Out Party. But they both are still ear AIDS.

[mfte]

I like this Summer song. It's a real ear worm. It feels a lot more like them than the garbage that was 8.
It is "different" enough to be enjoyable. I also like that it has things for Kilmore to do. I remember being bummed out around ACLOTM about how little involvement he had.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Yea, Kilmore def has taken a long seat in the background. I would say my favorite track from 8 is When I Became a Man and that says a lot about that album; what a train wreck.

[allegate]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe01GUiEGoo

well that's a video, yeah. def. Fungus Amongus vibe at the end.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Sounds like a not as well made Jimmy Eat World song... pass.

[bobbie solo]

fuck you Incubus.

[brotha52]

Taylor Swift should cover Our Love.
Incubus should tour with RHCP.

[bobbie solo]

They're touring all the obvious US amphitheatres for two fucking months this summer with 311. Yay.

[Jord]

I like the first and last bits of this new one, but the middle is just a garbage, weird transition.

Still sucks to see my favourite band churning out 2 tracks in 2 years that aren't great. The fact that they are releaseing Trust Fall (Side B) in April is nice, but the fact that the last two tracks are gonna be on there isn't.

[mfte]

This new song is lame. It isn't even the pop songwriting. That over produced sound is just terrible.

[allegate]

I mean the fact it's called Trust Fall is indicative of the band knowing it's weird stuff.

[eversonpoe]

fuck you Incubus.

seriously. remember when mike was one of the most innovative rock guitarists around? this shit is boring garbage. it's like what happened to muse but even worse.

[richardp]

They're touring all the obvious US amphitheatres for two fucking months this summer with 311. Yay.

Not sure why they didn't just add Sublime wItH rOmE on there for the trifecta of shit.

[brotha52]

Last I saw Incubus perform live was 2017. The tickets were free out of the ticketmaster lawsuit and I thought it a good way to introduce my GF to the Shoreline. The show was mediocre. Nothing memorable really.
Such a shame considering prior to that the last time I had been to the Shoreline was to see them share the stage with Jurassic 5, APC, Audioslave, and Jane's.

[Jon]

Last I saw Incubus perform live was 2017. The tickets were free out of the ticketmaster lawsuit and I thought it a good way to introduce my GF to the Shoreline. The show was mediocre. Nothing memorable really.
Such a shame considering prior to that the last time I had been to the Shoreline was to see them share the stage with Jurassic 5, APC, Audioslave, and Jane's.

I saw Incubus last year at a local (garbage) summer festival. They weren't terrible and they weren't great. So, mediocre... kind of like the last Sevendust show and a handful of other bands that just coast by.

[allegate]

listened to Morning View last night while making a cheesecake. yeah, that's probably my favorite album of theirs. The Enjoy Incubus EP is close behind though. also I was in a really rough place mentally when If Not Now, When? came out and it's got a special place just for that because it was what I needed to hear. I think I've listened to that one almost as much as any of their earlier albums.

I remember hearing the Scream 3 album for the first time with all of these bands that I had never heard of. Slipknot, Finger Eleven, SoaD, Sevendust, Static-X, Incubus, PM5k, Orgy, Staind...yeah, it was a great intro to a lot of really good bands at the time. Sheltered, you say? a little. I was in the military then and didn't have access to good radio stations all the time. and trying to find a copy of Fungus Amongus back in that heady time of bootlegs and mail order? good times. oh and the 'remaster' of SCIENCE that was released two years later? wtf was that about?

Also please note at the time and consider where some of those bands ended up.

[cahernandez]

I saw Incubus last year at a local (garbage) summer festival. They weren't terrible and they weren't great. So, mediocre... kind of like the last Sevendust show and a handful of other bands that just coast by.

Same experience here, I saw them a local rock festival, in 2017, and it was bland. Not bad, just average. They were touring behind '8' and that's the first album of them that I didn't completely enjoy. It's sad to see them go this way, they were once one of my favorite bands, even If Not Now, When? was great for me (as allegate mentioned, it came out during a transition period of my life so it resonated with me big time). But yes, these last two singles and '8' didn't do much for me.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Same experience here, I saw them a local rock festival, in 2017, and it was bland. Not bad, just average. They were touring behind '8' and that's the first album of them that I didn't completely enjoy. It's sad to see them go this way, they were once one of my favorite bands, even If Not Now, When? was great for me (as allegate mentioned, it came out during a transition period of my life so it resonated with me big time). But yes, these last two singles and '8' didn't do much for me.

If Not Now, When? Was the first Incubus album that left me uneven. There are some killer tracks on that album with In Company of Wolves being one of the best tracks they have ever written.

I really wish they went with a sound like that or with the first Trust Fall EP, but instead we get this shit.

[cahernandez]

If Not Now, When? Was the first Incubus album that left me uneven. There are some killer tracks on that album with In Company of Wolves being one of the best tracks they have ever written.

I really wish they went with a sound like that or with the first Trust Fall EP, but instead we get this shit.

Yeah, Trust Fall EP had a great sound, and agree with In the Company of Wolves. The comparison of this new song with Jimmy Eats World hurts!

[mfte]

I tried listening to 8 yesterday. That record is so terrible sounding. I blame Skrillex. The original version of Nimble Bastard that was released as a lyric video sounds pretty rocking but then the audio in the official video and the on the record has the guitars turned way down and the kick and snare compressed and boosted through the stratosphere.

The entire record (with the exception of the real soft songs) sounds like this and it is nearly un-listenable. It makes the mix and master on Californication sound artful. I wish that the original Dave Sardy mixes were leaked because there is a border line good record in there somewhere.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Yeah, Trust Fall EP had a great sound, and agree with In the Company of Wolves. The comparison of this new song with Jimmy Eats World hurts!

Hahaa, yea that was my first reaction when I heard it. I happen to like Jimmy, even though their latest album fell super flat for me. Just went back to A Crow Left of the Murder and forgot how fun that album was; Talk Shows On Mute is so good.

[allegate]

Since you mentioned TSOM - is there something to the Cocaine thing I've seen about that song? "Come One Come All Into Nineteen Eighty-four"

[Jon]

Same experience here, I saw them a local rock festival, in 2017, and it was bland. Not bad, just average. They were touring behind '8' and that's the first album of them that I didn't completely enjoy. It's sad to see them go this way, they were once one of my favorite bands, even If Not Now, When? was great for me (as @allegate (https://www.echoingthesound.org/community/member.php?u=1739) mentioned, it came out during a transition period of my life so it resonated with me big time). But yes, these last two singles and '8' didn't do much for me.

I fell off after A Crow Left of the Murder... I know people had issues with that album, but I consider it their last good effort. "Pistola", "Priceless", "Leech", and "Sick Sad Little World" are some of my favorites by them, period.

[Jord]

I've been a die hard for years, even got a couple of ACLOTM tattoos as it was the record that made me pick up a guitar. The problem lies a little bit around that era, for myself and quite a number of other fans too as it was when they kinda cut loose, they all upped their instrumental game and made some great stuff in those years, that record is killer, Sick Sad Little World is an all time favourite of mine and then they followed up with some great b-sides and stuff like The Odyssey for Halo 2. To hear them tap into this incredible progressive vein with that stuff, and with the live shows around the time really hinted at incredible things to come, Light Grenades came and was pretty good and the Look Alive bonus CD was another hint at some really cool instrumental stuff, but then they released INN,W and ever since then they've just slid into the kind of thing they churn out now with the exceptional good track (Trust Fall).

Mike even admitted in an interview a few years back that anyone expecting them to follow that route they had around the Crow era is just kidding themselves, and they'd choose playing out stuff like Love Hurts to packed out audiences anyday - or something along those lines. They'll always be my favourite band that have been with me for 20 years of my life, but they are a different band than they were.

[brotha52]

Mike even admitted in an interview a few years back that anyone expecting them to follow that route they had around the Crow era is just kidding themselves, and they'd choose playing out stuff like Love Hurts to packed out audiences anyday - or something along those lines. They'll always be my favourite band that have been with me for 20 years of my life, but they are a different band than they were.
I've always associated the change with the guitarist going to college. Formal education can really stifle creativity.

[Jon]

Mike even admitted in an interview a few years back that anyone expecting them to follow that route they had around the Crow era is just kidding themselves, and they'd choose playing out stuff like Love Hurts to packed out audiences anyday - or something along those lines. They'll always be my favourite band that have been with me for 20 years of my life, but they are a different band than they were.

I'm completely okay with that: Opeth and Miles Davis (who's famous phrase musically was, "Never look back") are among my favorites. These last few Incubus releases have felt, uninspiried, to put it one way.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Mike even admitted in an interview a few years back that anyone expecting them to follow that route they had around the Crow era is just kidding themselves, and they'd choose playing out stuff like Love Hurts to packed out audiences anyday - or something along those lines. They'll always be my favourite band that have been with me for 20 years of my life, but they are a different band than they were.

That is actually pretty sad to hear from a man that I considered to be one of the top guitarists with his creativity. When I play The Odyssey, people have either never heard it, or are blown away that it is actually Incubus. I'm all for exploring a new sound, but at least tap back into your roots just a tad? I want a groovy bassline back so dam bad.

[allegate]

I'm kind of bummed that Side B came out and you have to purchase the two singles again. what's the point of that?

the white hair Brandon's sporting makes him look like Julianne Moore as President Alma Coin.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

I wish Side B sounded similar to Side A. Karma, Come Back is ooook, but everything else is an uninspired bore fest.

[Jord]

I miss the incubusview forum so it's nice to have a place to discuss them.

It was exactly for me how I predicted, a couple of decent tunes but nothing more. It's getting tonnes of love on Reddit, so fair enough for the band. I enjoy Karma, Come Back & On Without Me (that intro is pretty solid Incubus) so it's not a total stinker, I'd say I'm even warming up to Our Love, but Into The Summer & Paper Cuts are a giant no from me.

I got tickets to see them on their UK tour but that's postponed till whenever now, because they still bring it live big time - on the 8 tour they played Calgone, Echo & Vitamin and it blew my mind.

The thing with Incubus now is that because of the hiatuses and how close they came to breaking up in after If Not Now, When, any detractors of their new music will often be met with response like 'ah well at least they are still producing music', but if that music is 'Into The Summer' or 'Dance Like You're Dumb' from a band who wrote stuff like The Odyssey and Just A Phase - it just doesn't compare.

Also, am I the only one who thinks between Love In A Time Of Surveillance, Throw Out The Map & Karma Come Back, their heavier riffs these days have echoes of Tom Morello in them?

[mfte]

Also, am I the only one who thinks between Love In A Time Of Surveillance, Throw Out The Map & Karma Come Back, their heavier riffs these days have echoes of Tom Morello in them?

The breakdown in Leech is very Morello-esque as well...

[AndItKeepsRepeating]

Random question, but I was just listening to the album and forgot how much I loved it:

Is anyone else a big fan of A Crow Left of the Murder...? I think it's their best album that isn't named S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Crow is pretty much as good as it gets for me as an Incubus fan; it has everything. Also, being the first album without Dirk Lance, it lived up to the hype for me, with Megalomaniac being a huge song for the time it came out.

Some of my favorite Incubus songs are on crow... Sick Sad Little World, Pistola, Zee Deveel, and Made for TV Movie to name a few.

[henryeatscereal]

Random question, but I was just listening to the album and forgot how much I loved it:

Is anyone else a big fan of A Crow Left of the Murder...? I think it's their best album that isn't named S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
It's very underrated and i think "Talk Shows in Mute" is one of their best singles ever

[mfte]

I didn't like it very much when it came out, mainly because I thought that Brandon's voice reached maximum Whine-Tone on that record and was mixed way too loud. His insistent ooooohing and ahhhhing were a little over the top. I probably ranted about this somewhere in this thread.

In retrospect, it is one of my favorite albums by them. This album and Morning View are the best IMO. As much as I Enjoy;) S.C.I.E.N.C.E. I am never in the mood to listen to it front to back at 40 years old.

Why do you think that it is underrated? It went platinum, it charted well, and is a favorite among fans. I agree that Talk Shows on Mute is one of their best singles.

I think that Light Grenades is underrated. Not a lot of people seem to like that album. Granted there are some stinkers on there (Oil and Water., Diamonds and Coal) I think that album came closest to them sounding more experimental and S.C.I.E.N.C.E. like, without it sounding forced. Pendulous Threads is one of the most experimental things in their catalogue, you can tell that they were listening to Mars Volta at the time :) I was excited to hear what they would do after that..............and then If Not Now When came out and the dream was over lol.

[allegate]

Well, Light Grenades was 2006 and Mike had the carpal tunnel surgery in 2007 so it doesn't surprise me that he had to slow down.
Einziger noted that the musical direction on this album was influenced by the overriding notion of "simplicity;" "Brandon and I, when we started focusing on writing songs for this album, something that we hadn't really focused on in the past was the idea of this very, very strong simplicity. That's what this album is based on, some very, very simple ideas. [...] I think the sounds that a lot of people come to expect from us are based on the idea of large walls of very thick guitars. That's kind of a trademark for a lot of loud, aggressive rock music, but it can also be a crutch, or a wall that you can hide behind. But we didn't rely on that for this album, it actually doesn't have any of that."
I just wish that Brandon didn't bring his brick-walling to the band and left that to the solo albums.

unrelated - because it's not the band as a whole - Brandon has a new song out.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrsjByYLsIY

[mfte]

That song is a pleasant surprise.

It reminds me of that Fucking Whatever EP from last year.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2jVmSB40vo

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

If we're talking Light Grenades, there are some amazing songs on there, but the pacing is terrible and there are A LOT of stinkers on there. The title track and Pendulous Threads (Which always seemed like it belonged on a different album somewhere) are my favorites here, with us getting our first Brandon scream since Pardon Me or Science days so I enjoy that a lot.

If Not Now, When? Is also all over the place, but The Company of Wolves is a huge track and doesn't get spoken about enough if you wanna talk experimental material from them; it's fantastic along with Tomorrow's Food. Their newer material still shows signs of greatness, but they are riddled with mediocre ideas and generic territory. I really wish they continued with whatever sound they found during the Trust Fall Side A days, because that EP is fantastic.

They had the balls to play this live on Letterman and they absolutely killed it.


https://youtu.be/0n-EN33g5fY



https://youtu.be/WTuAMlR3WuM

[allegate]

Oh man the audience shot at the end is great. a lot of "Wait, they played that?" looks on faces.

Side note: is there a way to hear the non-Skrillex version of 8?

[cahernandez]

Brandon Boyd ranks Incubus' albums. I too put Morning View on first place, but can't understand why SCIENCE isn't placed higher in his list. I'm also quite fond of If Not Now When?, did not know that this was a period of turmoil in the band, wonder what happened between them. I would place 8 even lower...the fact that he wrote "we’ll listen to this sometimes in rehearsal and there are songs on it where we’re looking at each other as if we didn’t write it." and " There are a few tracks I really love, but there are a few that should be B-sides in retrospect." It's telling that even they think that this is not their best.

https://www.loudersound.com/features/every-incubus-album-ranked-from-worst-to-best-by-vocalist-brandon-boyd

[ickyvicky]

Yeah, that is interesting. Especially Make Yourself isn't higher either. I listened to that album non-stop when it came out.

[mfte]

Every once in a while, I try and put on If Not Now When? and I just can't get into it because I find it quite boring (outside of In The Company of Wolves).
8 is definitely the disaster of that discography, and that is due in large part to questionable mixing choices that make that record nearly unlistenable (Thanks Sonny Moore).

[allegate]

wasn't INNW? roughly when Mike had surgery?
surgery in March 2007 for carpal tunnel syndrome (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpal_tunnel_syndrome), a repetitive-strain injury to his left wrist. The condition forced him to take a hiatus from the band and his instrument.on top of that he was going to Harvard (staying off my soapbox for this one) and it seemed to me at the time that it was a matter of 'well can we even do this anymore without him?'

It's funny reading about 8, considering the production hoo-haw that was going on. I would really like to hear the original album before the Skrillex production hit.

[henryeatscereal]

"Fungus Amongus" and "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." at the bottom?

Man this guy is funny!

I would take literally ANY album over "If Not Now, When?"

[mfte]

It's funny reading about 8, considering the production hoo-haw that was going on. I would really like to hear the original album before the Skrillex production hit.

There was the original version of Nimble Bastard audio on their official YouTube for a while before the record came out. At the time I remember tweeting at Sardy to ask if we would ever hear his mixes, but that ended up in the void.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

In The Company of Wolves is one of the best tracks they have ever written. If Not Now isn't terrible, but it isn't all that great either. Rebel Girls and Tomorrow's Food are good tracks as well.

8 is just so forgettable and sounds like them on Autopilot.

My rankings right now would have to be:

Morning View
Make Yourself
A Crow Left of the Murder...
S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
Light Grenades
Fungus Amongus
If Not Now, When?
8

[henryeatscereal]

- Make Yourself
- S.C.I.E.N.C.E.
- A Crow Left of the Murder...
- Morning View
- Light Grenades
- Fungus Amongus
- 8
- If Not Now, When?

[Jord]

In The Company of Wolves is one of the best tracks they have ever written. If Not Now isn't terrible, but it isn't all that great either. Rebel Girls and Tomorrow's Food are good tracks as well.

To this day I believe leaving Surface To Air off that record/not making it the first single from that album is one of their biggest late career mistakes, same goes for Familiar Faces from 8.


- ACLOTM
- Morning View
- Light Grenades
- Make Yourself
- S.C.I.E.N.C.E
- 8
- If Not Now, When?
- Trust Fall (Side A)
- Fungus Amongus
- Trust Fall (Side B)

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

To this day I believe leaving Surface To Air off that record/not making it the first single from that album is one of their biggest late career mistakes, same goes for Familiar Faces from 8.


- ACLOTM
- Morning View
- Light Grenades
- Make Yourself
- S.C.I.E.N.C.E
- 8
- If Not Now, When?
- Trust Fall (Side A)
- Fungus Amongus
- Trust Fall (Side B)


Ahh, I knew I was forgetting one! Yes, Surface To Air is so good and I love how the drums drive that song. This and Rebel Girls are better than almost everything that made the cut lol.

[bobbie solo]

He ranks their best albums so low b/c on one hand, he's verbally expressed how embarrassed he is of their association with the nu-metal scene when those records came out numerous times, as well as the heavier, more aggressive leanings to their music back then. But then on the other hand, Incubus will continually accept bookings alongside bands from that era, b/c they know $where$ $their$ $bread$ $is$ $buttered$.

https://i0.wp.com/themusicuniverse.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sicknewworld23.jpg

Total hypocrite. Remember how Boyd has re-envisioned himself through the years, as almost a crooner. Look at his solo work. and some of the...things...that have came along with it.

https://www.theprp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/brandonboydincubus.jpg

Anyway, groove to this shit & who cares what that nincompoop thinks.


https://youtu.be/O0faaOKA8P8

[allegate]

New tour coming - though I hesitate to call it that due to the brevity - and a Taylor Swift of Morning View.

Incubus Revisit Their Past With ‘Morning View XXIII’ — and the Future Looks Bright (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/incubus-revisit-past-morning-view-150548731.html)

[cahernandez]

New tour coming - though I hesitate to call it that due to the brevity - and a Taylor Swift of Morning View.

Incubus Revisit Their Past With ‘Morning View XXIII’ — and the Future Looks Bright (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/incubus-revisit-past-morning-view-150548731.html)

And Ben Kenney is officially out from the band. Nicole Row is now the new bass player. Kinda bummed out by Ben's decision (he is healed, by the way) but I can imagine such a medical condition can lead you to re-evaluate your whole life. At least, from the sounds of that interview, it seems like it was an amicable split. Haven't seen any live clip of Incubus playing with Nicole but I've heard only good things about her, looking forward to seeing her with the band come September (got tickets for their San Francisco show).

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

I love that they re-recorded Morning View. Thrice really pulled it off with The Artist in the Ambulance, so this is something to look forward to.

Haven't seen them live in years.

[scorpiusdiamond]

The Coheed support is so cool, really hoping they bring that to the UK, would be hard to resist going.

[cdm]

Preorders are live and the refreshed Echo is out. Sounds...fine. This is a great album but I'm not sure about the need to re-record it. Will reserve judgement for now.

[mfte]

I love that album for being the soundtrack during a pivotal time in my young life, but re-recording it feels too much like a middle aged person putting their high school football uniform on or something... "hey, it's still fits ok. ouch my back."

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

The song has more room to breathe, and has a tad more intimacy in the vocals; I love it. Cannot wait to hear what they did with Mexico, Are You In?, Circles, and Aqueous Transmission.

The band literally explains why they wanted to re-record. Leave your expectations at the door, and you may enjoy it just a little more.

[mfte]

The song has more room to breathe, and has a tad more intimacy in the vocals; I love it. Cannot wait to hear what they did with Mexico, Are You In?, Circles, and Aqueous Transmission.

The band literally explains why they wanted to re-record. Leave your expectations at the door, and you may enjoy it just a little more.

This band always managed to address and interpret their most questionable creative decisions in a way that made them come off earnest and heartfelt. I will give them that :)

Being an Incubus fan since the late 90s has been a perplexing journey, but I am looking forward to checking this thing out with an open mind.

[cdm]

The band literally explains why they wanted to re-record. Leave your expectations at the door, and you may enjoy it just a little more.

I guess it's better said "...I'm not sure if I need a re-recording of it." But I could be wrong. We shall see.


This band always managed to address and interpret their most questionable creative decisions in a way that made them come off earnest and heartfelt. I will give them that :)

Being an Incubus fan since the late 90s has been a perplexing journey, but I am looking forward to checking this thing out with an open mind.

I, for one (and I may be literally the only one), really like both If Not Now, When? and 8.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

This band always managed to address and interpret their most questionable creative decisions in a way that made them come off earnest and heartfelt. I will give them that :)

Being an Incubus fan since the late 90s has been a perplexing journey, but I am looking forward to checking this thing out with an open mind.

Perplexing at best :D.

I really thought they found a nice sound with Trust Fall Side A, I don't think the songs on there get the attention they deserve. I guess it brings me back to a good time in my life when this album came out, and it is lovely to hear that a lot of other fans share the same sentiment.


I guess it's better said "...I'm not sure if I need a re-recording of it." But I could be wrong. We shall see.

All good. I said the same exact thing when Thrice released their re-recording of Artist in the Ambulance, and upon first listen or two, I just found it "OK". Then I dived in with headphones, and I actually like a handful of the re-recordings, more than the originals.

Interesting that you like 8. I adore If Not Now, When? and holds some of their best tracks. 8 I recently listened to, from front to back again, and I cannot get into it no matter how hard I try lol.

[allegate]

I guess it's better said "...I'm not sure if I need a re-recording of it." But I could be wrong. We shall see.



I, for one (and I may be literally the only one), really like both If Not Now, When? and 8.

I've said it before but If Not Now, When? was released at a very volatile time in my life and it just fit the general theme of everything and gave me a rock to hold on to.

I agree that the band has been a wild one to follow, especially given the swing from S.C.I.E.N.C.E. to now, but I've liked most of the stuff. Trust Fall A/B was probably the first band-released thing where I actually had disinterest in some of the songs.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

HOLY SHIT.


https://youtu.be/I5-Q5rNRdsA?si=WkK6InmUiT0z4LIU

[caca]

HOLY SHIT.


https://youtu.be/I5-Q5rNRdsA?si=WkK6InmUiT0z4LIU

Yeah, that was cool.

[Reznor2112]

HIGHLY recommend Night Verses for those that have never listened to them. For fans of Russian Circles, Animals As Leaders. Glad this new single will be bringing them some wider recognition.

[poinoup]

*Listens*
*Really likes*
*Goes to find more info*

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

HIGHLY recommend Night Verses for those that have never listened to them. For fans of Russian Circles, Animals As Leaders. Glad this new single will be bringing them some wider recognition.

Vouch!!! Been listening to them since they began, and saw them live, twice! Was able to meet them all, and get a guitar pick.

Funny little tidbit, Tilian Pearson was planned to be the original vocalist of the band, and there are a few demos out there with him on it... Let's just say they made the correct choice choosing Douglas Robinson.

For new listeners, start with their EP, and listen to each album as it was released.

[mfte]

Kinda cool, but I am still not on board with this whole thing lol.
I miss the open room sound on the drums from the original recording. This suffers from a little too much compression.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTAgCMBiJY

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Kinda cool, but I am still not on board with this whole thing lol.
I miss the open room sound on the drums from the original recording. This suffers from a little too much compression.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTAgCMBiJY

Agreed. While Echo sounded a bit for free, this sounds the complete opposite. I still dig it, but I enjoyed Echo much more.

Crazy how good Brandon's voice sounds to this day. Aged like fine wine.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

Love the music on this, a lot... but the vocals are definitely not as good as the rest, so far.


https://youtu.be/xy1dToQS4Ug?si=4cYroiLxis8AdJu5

[Kodiak33]

I've listened to these and I prefer the original album. Am I in the minority? I guess it's a cool live album but the original is hard to beat.

[henryeatscereal]

I've listened to these and I prefer the original album. Am I in the minority? I guess it's a cool live album but the original is hard to beat.
I don't think you are in the minority, so far it sounds completely unnecessary and underwhelming,

I'm going to wait till it's fully released, but so far i'm not digging it.

[Self.Destructive.Pattern]

I really liked Echo, but every release since then has been a mixed bag. Thrice's attempt was pretty fantastic.