Incubus: A Crow Left of the Murder
Posted by: Andy Moore on 30 January 2004
With their 5th album Incubus continue where they left off with Morning View.
An album of quirky SoCal rock tunes this is, but so much more.
The opener 'Megalomaniac' starts things rocking with a great hook
and a rhythm that really swings. The songwriting has matured further,
a weakness of previous Incubus albums having been the lyrics but on this
occasion there's a welcome lack of embarrassing rhyming couplets.
Older fans who miss the harder hip-hop/metal egde of S.C.I.E.N.C.E
and Make Yourself might be dissapointed as again this album is more
about tunes and textures than balls and grunt. That said, one of
the greatest strengths of Incubus is the vocal dexterity of Brandon Boyd
and on this album he is on top form, almost out-Darknessing The
Darkness on last track 'Leech'.
New bassist Ben Kenney is subtle and funky and for the first time since
Fungus AmongUs Mike Einziger is really given the chance to shred. This about
time as he is a rather fine guitarist. DJ Kilmore in comparison is rather
subdued. Much of this is probably due to Brendan O'Brian's production
which emphasises a live and experimental feel with liberal use of
instrumentation such as slide guitar and piano.
Incubus have grown up. Song writing has overtaken power riffs. Not everyone
will like that but when it is as well played and produced as
'A crow left of the murder...' it is a very potent package and
one that should be in the collection of anyone who likes rock music and
is essential for Incubus fans, especially with the limited edition DVD of
interviews, concert footage and an interesting movie.
Buy this when it's out on Monday!!
Andy
Give me a bottle of anything and a glazed donut... TO GO.
An album of quirky SoCal rock tunes this is, but so much more.
The opener 'Megalomaniac' starts things rocking with a great hook
and a rhythm that really swings. The songwriting has matured further,
a weakness of previous Incubus albums having been the lyrics but on this
occasion there's a welcome lack of embarrassing rhyming couplets.
Older fans who miss the harder hip-hop/metal egde of S.C.I.E.N.C.E
and Make Yourself might be dissapointed as again this album is more
about tunes and textures than balls and grunt. That said, one of
the greatest strengths of Incubus is the vocal dexterity of Brandon Boyd
and on this album he is on top form, almost out-Darknessing The
Darkness on last track 'Leech'.
New bassist Ben Kenney is subtle and funky and for the first time since
Fungus AmongUs Mike Einziger is really given the chance to shred. This about
time as he is a rather fine guitarist. DJ Kilmore in comparison is rather
subdued. Much of this is probably due to Brendan O'Brian's production
which emphasises a live and experimental feel with liberal use of
instrumentation such as slide guitar and piano.
Incubus have grown up. Song writing has overtaken power riffs. Not everyone
will like that but when it is as well played and produced as
'A crow left of the murder...' it is a very potent package and
one that should be in the collection of anyone who likes rock music and
is essential for Incubus fans, especially with the limited edition DVD of
interviews, concert footage and an interesting movie.
Buy this when it's out on Monday!!
Andy
Give me a bottle of anything and a glazed donut... TO GO.