|
| |
|
|
|
Incubus
A crow left of the murder...
Some general impressions
Here it is, probably the album I was looking forward to since hearing of it's release date in October or November 2003. With a mixture of feelings after the departure of Dirk Lance, and a guitarist taking over for him.
I must confess, I was very suprised in a positive way. The album kicks off well. The bass lines of Ben Kenney are not as simple as I expected them to be. In fact, they are really nicely done, and a hell of a lot of fun to listen to and to play. The overall playing of the band has changed in a way. Mike Einzinger seems to use less effects as on Morning View and Make Yourself IMO. And DJ Kilmore takes up more space in the songs as on the previous records, but is still more in the background. Overall, the album has a much more Prog-Rock/Punk appeal.
Which makes it hard to directly compare it to it with the previous records. The mood of the record is not as cheerfull as on Morning View. The record sounds more like Make yourself, but only in pieces. I find it very hard to compare it to the two previous ones, I just lack the appropiate words, sorry... :(
Anyways, what is kinda new on this album is the presence of instrumental parts in songs. Where Brandon Boyd filled/accompanied the others with his notorious "ohhhs" and "ahhhs", he is more and more often just silent. Or sometimes in parts of songs just recognised by a clapping of hands. Brandon developed his skills as well. His singing got even better. The absence of vocals in some parts of the songs has a wierd side effect (at least for me): The songs seem to be longer. Funny stuff.
At the beginning of the record, with songs like 'Talk Shows on mute' for instance, there are parallels(sp?) hearable to the previous albums, especially 'Make yourself'. But the further you work your way through the album, the more different do they sound. The first time you hear this album, it holds a lot of suprises for the listener who knows the previous work of Incubus.
Be sure to pick up the Special Edition including a DVD. The DVD shows interesting footage of the studio work, some live footage, and two short movies. I won't say anything about it here, not to spoil anything. Just be sure to check it out. It's worth it. :)
What I really like about the album:
The bass playing is really great. Better as I had expected it. The sound of Incubus changed once again, and there is a clear progress visible. After the kinda wah dominated and easy mooded 'Morning View', Incubus take a new direction into a more 'heavier' sound. Regarding instruments and mood/lyrical-wise. It's really great to see, that Incubus try to develop further. Great stuff.
What was not so good:
I must confess, I have some negative points on this record. I miss songs like 'Wish you where here'. Songs that just express your good mood, you think of when feeling great. Until now, I have not found such a song on "A crow...". The overall mood of the record is much more 'darker' and more 'melancholic' in a way. It's a bit disapointing, but not that supring. After all, nearly 2 years passed since the work on Morning View. A lot of new expiriences were surely made and influenced the band. Still, for me this change of mood is themajor drawback of the album till now.
Summary:
The work on this record is great. Though I'm still a bit disappointed about this mood change, I'm nonetheless impressed by Ben Kenney as addition on bass as in creativity. I think one of the major reasons for the change of sound was his influence in the creative process. I don't know how to describe it better as to say: This album is brilliant, great piece of music from a great band.
My song suggestions: "Megalomaniac" (general impression), "Sick Sad Little World" (with big instrumental part in the middle of the song. Great!), "Pistola" (very energetic and powerful), "Here in my room" (more quiet song, with a touch of a ballad)
Rating: 4/5 :thumb:
| other reviews of this album |
|
I will definitely be picking this up. I used to be really into Incubus, then my music tastes changed somewhat, and from your review it seems as though Incubus's sound has changed accordingly.
| | |
great review. :thumb:
i'm not a fan of incubus, but after hearing their new song, i want to hear more.
| | |
huge review soon to come by me...
| | |
Good review, Damrod :thumb:
I got it yesterday morning, as soon as the music store opened. After hearing the live tracks from Lollapalooza, I wasn't very impressed. It might have been the quality or the feel of the song, but "Megalomaniac" and "Pistola" bored me after two listens. Still, I had faith in Incubus that they could make me love them like in the S.C.I.E.N.C.E. days. With that in mind, I turn the stereo on and sat back to listen to their latest offering.
I am impressed. Mikey expresses himself a lot differently and has more diverse guitar lines, Jose plays some very interesting material on some songs, Brandon's lyrics aren't stylistically different but that isn't a bad thing and his delivery & range are something that even old fans will find intriguing, Ben keeps things moving along and compliments Mikey very well when the guitar goes off on a tangent, and DJ Kilmore's quality as a member of the band and not an exhibitional instrumentalist is again wonderfully shown throughout the album. The title track's guitar is very different from what some would expect from Incubus and Mr. Boyd's delivery of "IT ALL!" in the chorus comes as a surprise. "Pistola" sounds like the lovechild of Modest Mouse and The Mars Volta, showing how Lollapalooza may have influenced their sound a bit. Boyd's singing is threateningly low on "Made for TV Movie" and sets the mood perfectly. Finally, "Here In My Room" is such a beautiful song about cheap sex that is more poetic than vulgar and so tongue-in-cheek, you have to grin when looking at the lyrics.
So this turned into a small review. Sorry about that. I'm just hyped about the album after waning interest in Make Yourself and being somewhat let down with Morning View. Chances are, it won't instantly turn you into an Incubus fan, but even if you've been with them since Fungus Amoungus, you may be surprised at how much they've changed between albums.
4/5
| | |
I like this album more than I expected to. I think it really gets good after the first 5 tracks. I really like all the songs from "Sick Sad Little World" onwards, except for "Smile Lines". And the track order seems a bit wrong, ie: "Here In My Room" should be the last song. But yeh, I think it's their second best LP.
| | |
AMAZING ALBUM! it seems to get better every time i listen to it! I pre-ordered it so i got it a day early, and i have constantly been impressed with this album! 4/5! and yes, Here in my Room should be last
| | |
i have to say i was greatly dissapointed with this album, the whole element of new rock style was there and i really don't like it, brandon's vocals are nothing compared to how they used to be, the bass in the album is so ugly, dirk lance should have never of left. Pistola would have to be one of the songs i really hate. what were they thinking. Mike's instrumental abilities are dying in this album. I was dissapointed with the album, but it may grow on me as many albums do.
2/5
| | |
[QUOTE=madthumbs]Mike's instrumental abilities are dying in this album.
[/QUOTE]
What album were you listening to?
Sick Sad Little World? (extremely melodic main riff...a huge 2min guitar solo...Vai-ish licks...Eric Johnson's "koto" plucking technique...spacey effects...did you skip over that track?)
Pistola? (a bridge section that Alex Lifeson from Rush could have written...soloing and riffing over alternating bars of 6/4 and 7/4)
Priceless? (another awesome solo section that sounds a bit like something from Primus...some more Vai-ish fast licks)
...and that's just talking mostly about guitar solos. Mike's chordwork, rhythm and riffing are awesome as always. Plus he even plays a bit of piano on this album. Unlike some of their Incubus' former fans, Mike probably realized with these last few albums that 90's era funk-metal isn't the only way to express one's musicality. Like the album or not, anybody with ears can tell you that Mikey's "instrumental abilities" are just fine.
| | |
i worded that wrong, the whole band has changed their style in this album, and i mean eveery incubus album has never been alot like another one, and usually mike plays riffs, solo's that are alot more melow, i just don't like the album that much... maybe i was looking for a reason to explain why.
| | |
Ok....to start off. I'm surprised as hell by the bass work....I was expecting a really toned down, non-based driven album, but I was wrong. All my comments here are from hearing the album for the first time, and it is whatever went through my head as I simultaneously listened and wrote my review. I use the word "vibe(s)" a lot. Here is my full review track by track:
PART I
1) Megalomaniac: Great opener, a lot of old school vibes. Great riffing too. Lyrics are abstract, but classical Incubus style. (5/5)
2) A Crow Left of the Murder: I love the opening riff so much, more classical Incubus elements here. (S.C.I.E.N.C.E. / Make Yourself type sound). The vocals are really different and unlike anything Brandon Boyd has done before. There's a really off-rhythm vibe to it, and I'm picking up some punk elements to the song. (4.5/5)
3) Agoraphobia - Mellow vibes, dreamlike sound, kinda boring, but it picks up at the bridge. More of a Make Yourself vibe. I love the guitar tone, and the way it ends is great. (4/5)
4) Talk Shows on Mute: Kind of an old rock and roll/jazz feel to it. For some reason it reminds me of Weezer (Buddy Holly)/Happy Days and shit like that. It has a mellow sound, apart from the above description, my other take on it is like a surfer themed song, but Jazzy overall. (3.5/5)
5) Beware! Criminal: Dark atmospheric vibe, then a rocking chorus. I get a 90's rock feel from this song. Its a new type of sound for Incubus. Some trippy vibes going on, typical phaser sounds from Mike. I love the way the song is structured. Their originality stands out a lot which is why I love Incubus so much. (4/5)
6) Sick Sad Little World: My favorite song so far on the album. Cool as hell riffs in the first minute. I love it. Lyrically, the song just does it for me, its great. Vocally: Brandon has done an amazin job. I love the vibe and again the riffs are rockin as hell and the tone is perfect. There's a trippy acid-riock/jam band sounding solo (I pick up some Floyd/Mars Volta/Phish type vibes in it). I never heard a solo from Einziger quite like this. I love it. I can pick up some Morning View vibes also. (5/5)
7) Pistola: A rock-out Incubus song. It is upbeat and will probably end up a classic. This is the type fans look forward to in a concert. More cool riffage, and another kickass solo from Mike Einziger. Big Bass-driven sounds in this song also. (4/5)
End Part I
Part II soon to come
| | |
Part II
8) Southern Girl: I love the opening riffs once again. Mellow Country vibes, great stuff. Small solo breakdown again. Bass is big in this song if I remember correct. I love the rhythm and the beats. A new sound for Incubus which I wholeheartedly embrace. (5/5)
9) Priceless: For a second I didn't think I was listening to Incubus here. Heavy, dissonant, but perfect. I get some Deftones influences in here big-time. Still, even as different as it sounds, it always has those signature Incubus fills and sounds here and there. Breakdown is like a jazz/fusion ball of music. Notes thrown here and there in a frenzy that just come together to make abstract music. Another great solo once again from Einziger that fits this song perfectly. (5/5)
10) Zee Deveel: Classic Incubus lyrics here. Riffage is very experimental as the whole album has been thus far. Again a trippy acid-rock sounding solo. Mike Einziger is really experimenting on this album, and so is Brandon Boyd. I get some Bungle vibes and influences in here definitely....there are Patton-inspired moments no doubt! (4.5/5)
11) Made for TV Movie: Another catchy off-beat Incubus intro. The Vocal approach is different as you can easily catch. It is heavy and has a grungy air to the tone. I can see it as the next single perhaps. (4/5)
12) Smile Lines: Unique composition. I love the riffs, it really sets the tone for the vocals. Lyrically, it is something I expect from Brandon Boyd. I'm enjoying this a lot. The bridg gives a really different vibe from Mike Einziger. (4.5/5)
13) Here in my Room: A piano intro. Very unexpected. Sounds slightly ball-like in the beginning. There is a somber feeling to the song, I am reminded of Coldplay. It is probably the most uncharacteristic Incubus song that has been made. Very different, but I also see this as possibily being the next single. It is more poppy, yet dark. (3.5/5)
14) Leech: Last track. This is what I'm talking about! This is a great capper to a kickass record. "The ride's over. Did you enjoy yourself?" Brandon Boyd sings. This is a song that stands out, but it definitely gives the Classical-Incubus vibe to it. Some RATM influences here for sure. It's experimental and all over the place. (4.5/5)
Overall......I loved the album. Like all Incubus albums, it takes several listens to fully digest, but so far....I'm loving it. Morning View was an album that I said "I don't think I'll like this at all" and I loved it. This is one of Incubus' stronger works for sure.
Bottom Line: I give the album a 9.5 out of 10
| | |
I'm getting more and more into Incubus! And this record I really like...great reviews so far too. I'm pretty amazed to say that I like this better than Morning View...despite the fact that this cd isn't as diverse. The songs are very well written, and are unconventional. Incubus is a great example of a band that deserves the exposure they get, because they are clearly writing music for musics sake...they didn't let fame go through their heads like most mainstream rock bands.
Here is my review:
01 Megalomaniac
I'm not really impressed with the track opener...maybe it's because I've heard the song a bit too often. It sounds alot like a song that would fit on Make Yourself. I love the drummers subtle high hat work in the bridge...this guy is solid. He drums with enough dynamic to fit a rock outfit, but he does alot of nice interesting things, like little licks with the toms, cymbal bells, open hi-hat and splash. I don't like the heavier part of the bridge in Megalomaniac...it's a bit too forced...doesn't flow well with the rest of the song. 3/5
02 A Crow Left Of The Murder
The title track is interesting...very uptempo with subtle riffage. The chorus is very intense and heavy melodic. The song flows very well. I like the vocal lines in the bridge...and the reward...a nice heavy melodic part with a great drum&bass beat. 4/5
03 Agoraphobia
I like this one too. It's seems really straight forward at first glance, but it's pretty sophisticated too. The song seems to change moods through certain parts. The beginning verses are timid, and the "please end this before it ends us" part is more melodic, with an interesting beat...while the chorus is stripped a more straigh up rock. The three parts really work well together. The bridge is very arranged, but drifts away perfectly to a part where just Brandon and Mike do the chorus. 4.5/5
04 Talk Shows On Mute
This is definately a single...I like it alot. The vocal lines are very cliché...which makes it very appealing to alot of people. It's a poppy song....and the vocals are great. But the highlight is that nice little solo Mike does...great stuff. The song fades out until you hear Brandon sing a-capella. 4/5
05 Beware! Criminal
Another good melodic song. Not much to say...I like the bridge with that flamenco-like beat driven by rim shots. 4/5
06 Sick Sad Little World
This is another highlight on the record...once again you hear the drummer doing those nifty hi-hat patterns. The guitars and bass sound as if they are fired from a shotgun the the verse...sounds cool. It goes into a really unconventional part with vague piano soundscapes before the chorus kicks in. I don't like the electronic effect in the vocals there, but it doesn't ruin much. Like the other reviewers said...it has a very psychedelic, jam session like part with a cool guitar solo that has some eastern melodies. Mental. 4.5/5
07 Pistola
It's a cool all-out rocker. The vocals in the chorus have amazing range. The best part is that strange guitar solo, that reminds me of Jonny Greenwoods guitar work (a bit). The clapping is a fun tidbit too. 4/5
08 Southern Girl
A nice smooth love ballad...it's pretty good. The backing vocals give it a really soothing feeling...this record should have been released in the summer 3.5/5
09 Priceless
This track is very theatrical...it has a cool bridge that shows off the musicality of each band member. 4/5
10 Zee Deveel
I don't like this track...it sounds like Faith No More made a come back or something. Good musicianship...but it gets pretty repetitive after awhile. 2.5/5
11 Made For TV Movie
The verses sound like something Oasis would do...and the chorus is a bit too conventional for my liking, but I'm impressed with the vocals once again. 3/5
12 Smile Lines
Another solid track. This song reminds me a bit of The Pixies...especially the chorusses. 4/5
13 Here In My Room
This is a good song...it's more piano oriented, and once again it stays true to the fact that this band does something they haven't done before with each release. Kilmore really shines in this track, with some cool soundscapes. The melodies remind me a bit of Radiohead. 4/5
14 Leech
Another similair track to "Pistola" and "Smile Lines"...it's pretty solid overall...it summarizes the rest of the album well...making it a good closer. 4/5
Overall: 4/5
This band keeps impressing me...they are constantly evolving, and getting better and better, contrary to many other mainstream acts in their generation. Worthy followers to the Faith No Mores, Primusses, Jane's Addictions and RHCP's of the world.
| | |
see you're taking my style Orb......heh....
glad you're getting into Incubus
| | |
I'll be giving a huge review as well, because I love this album and have to put in my two cents. I'll also predict my picks for the singles (there's 5 or 6 that I can count as being radio hits).
| | |
i've heard that agoraphobia will be the next single. I am obsessed with Incubus. Have been since S.C.I.E.N.C.E. I dont feel like writing out a huge report on the cd. It's absolutly amazing. I can't compare it to any of their other stuff because it is unique and unlike everything. If anyone has questions... i'll probably know the answers.
Cheers.
| | |
please disregard in comments i have made in this thread. I love this album now, i started really listening to it yesterday and i really do like it. And after listening to the Points that delirium made i really do like it. Pistola is my least favorite song on the album becuase i don't find ti as nice to listen to as other songs. My favorite song wold be Turbo Geek or Beware! Criminal.. so yeah im glad that i have grown to like the album so quickly coz now i will be able to see them in march
| | | Album Rating: 3.0
Great CD, thanks for the review, some excellent songs in my opinion goes as follows in order of how I like them :thumb:
1. Beware! Criminal
2. Leech
3. A Crow Left of the Murder
4. Pistola
5. Sick Sad Little World
CD as a whole 4/5 (Zee Deveel and Talk Shows on Mute turned me off to a better rating :angry: )
Cheers
| | |
Love this album.
I love how Incubus just evolve with every album. I really didnt expect this change but i love it.
It has something for everyone and i think their musicianship has once again become more evident.
Really looking foward to seeing this album performed live!
FAv Tracks
Leech
Sick Sad Little World
Beware Criminal
ACLOTM
Smile Lines
Talk Shows on Mute (should be the next single)
| | |
[QUOTE=Kaden]I will definitely be picking this up. I used to be really into Incubus, then my music tastes changed somewhat, and from your review it seems as though Incubus's sound has changed accordingly.[/QUOTE]
My thoughts exactly. I *almost* bought it yesterday, but wanted to hear more reviews, and make sure I had enough money for the hi hat clutch. I'll see if I can pick it up tomorrow.
| | |
This is Incubus's newest cd. Personally i wasnt too much of a fan and then i heard the first single from the cd "Megalomaniac" and i was like "Humm pretty enjoyable" and i just went and got the cd.
Well heres the run down of the tracks:
1. Megalomaniac - It has some stupid static stuff at the start, and i didnt like that. The song is good lyricly and i did enjoy it.
2. A Crow Left Of The Murder - this has to be one of the good songs on the cd. i really hope there old stuff sounds like this song(and not like "drive", but it was a good slow song) and well this was a **** good song.
3. Agoraphobia - this song was ok. i liked the verses. but the pre chorus was horrible "please end this......." that part. but then i liked the chorus. it was ok of a song.
4. Talk Shows On Mute - i liked the guitar part with the intro. and i cant really listen to the rest...it just is boring for me i guess. and well i dont know if any one catches this but they say "come on come all. to 1984." but when i listen to the song it has nothing to do with the book unless its not about the book?
5. Beware! Criminal - has a bit of a slow start but it picks up...i say its one of the best songs on the cd. its **** good.
6. Sick Sad Little World - i liked the intro. the lyrics are pretty likeable i found. then it slows down a bit, then picks up...kinda like a few of there songs. but i like this one.
7. Pistola - the intro had stupid sound things. but i liked this song, another one of the good ones on the cd. i love the lyrics in it. i like the bass riff in it. and the chourus was catchy.
8. Southern Girl - personally i didnt like this song since i first heard it. and i skip it all the time. and i dont wanna listen to it. soooo yea lets say its not very good in my ears...maybe differnt for you.
9. Priceless-id like to say this is a bit 'faster paced' song and i liked it alot...another one of the good songs. i just love the vocals.
10. Zee Deveel - i didnt like this song very much...and it reminds me of a different song that i just cant remeber. well just the rhythem does. and well yea. not a very good song, and i usally skip it.
11. Made For TV Movie - i enjoyed this song...i just liked the way that the vocals sounded. the lyrics were a bit boring after awhile, yet still good. and it did the slow, faster thing that they usally do.
12. Smile Lines - personally i find this song a bit boring. and i can never listen to the hole thing.
13. Here In My Room - this is my favorite song on the cd. i really liked it for the vocals and how it was all slow and the lyrics just were so great. best song on the cd...reminded me of "drive" but not accustic and way better.
14. Leech - i liked this song. it just is so catchy and what not. its great. a good one!
Well i give this cd a 7/10 but i never really listened to there old stuff besides "drive" and "i miss you"...soo i didnt knwo what to expet besides a bit of a slowish band...but they werent anything like i was expecting after i heard "megalomaniac" which was cool. id recomend this if you have a extra $20 for a cd.
| | | |
|
| |
