Incubus is one of those rare bands that gets better with age, learning and growing without losing its passion.
On its sixth album "Light Grenades" (Epic), the Calabasas, Calif., quintet continues its transformation from alt-rock lightweights to one of the genre's most dependable hit-makers, mixing numerous styles that hang together because of Brandon Boyd's distinctive vocals and Mike Einzinger's equally distinctive guitars.
Unlike its predecessor, the politically charged, far-more-direct "Crow Left of the Murder" (Epic), "Light Grenades" meanders a bit more.
There are a bunch of moody midtempo pop-rockers, including the soon-to-be-hit "Diamonds and Coal," with its esteem-building chorus, "Even diamonds start as coal," and the dramatic "Love Hurts." There are hard-hitting rockers, including the bash-'em-up "A Kiss to Send Us Off," with its Nirvana grunge riffs and chant-able chorus, and the dizzying "Rogues."
And there is the first single, "Anna-Molly," which opens like The Smiths' "Bigmouth Strikes Again" and gets more ferocious from there. It's a play on words (Boyd pronounces the title "anomaly") and the lyrics show his growth as a songwriter did not end with "Megalomaniac" and "Pistola."
While most bands would either be working toward re-creating their massive hits "Pardon Me" and "Drive" or running away from them, Incubus is content to just let that sound evolve, keeping it in its arsenal but building other weapons as well.
"Light Grenades" comes across as a necessary stepping stone, a temporary stop on the way to something bigger. But it also works just fine on its own.
LIGHT GRENADES. Incubus lobs some strikes to bust down rock's barriers. Grade: B.
PHOTO: Epic Records
Comments (9)
Hi, how can i get an Backstagepass for INCUBUS in Leipzig?
Me and my Band, an Alternative-Funk-Rock Band would playing before INCUBUS
rock the stage in the ARENA LEIPZIG!
GUYS PLEASE HELP US!!!
Sorry for my english :-)
I need 2 backstange passes to Incubus?
hi i'm from Israel and i despretlly need a backstage pass for the incubus show in a week..
HELPPPP
Hi guys. Im Nestor from Mexico. I´d like to get a backstage pass (2 if possible) for the incubus concert in Mexico May/09 of 2007. Im one of your greatest fans and i have been waitin for this since i heard you for the first time. Please tell me what i have to do! Thenks! Lets Rock! (sorry for my english)
I need 2 backstage passes 4 Incubus,4 the June 1st consert in LA i love them so much, And i would do anything to see them that night. i did All i could to get the tickets and i got them, but i really need and want 2 backstage passes. i love them so much, im their bigest fan. Thank you.
I am looking for 2 backstage passes for Incubus on August 1 in Cleveland like all your other biggest fans. Just a shot in the dark, but I thought we'd take a stab at the odds. I could tell you its a pre 12 year anniversary in Aug or an upcoming 40th bday for my husband-which is all true but I am sure you have other fans with better excuses that are more deserving, but If there is anyway you can play oil & water at the cleveland show, it would be a special treat.
tom & Jenn in Cleveland!
I'm going to see them in Dallas on Sept. 2. It's my b-day and my fourth time to see them and would like to make it special this time. I would be greatly appreciative if you could tell me how to get backstage passes.
Really need 2 Incubus back stage passes for the September 7th show in Irvine CA, Its my son's birthday and his first concert and it would be a great birthday to meet the band. If anyone out there can tell me how to get them I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks Dawna
hey i´m from mexico city and i,m a big fan from incubus i know maybe it´s impossible but i can do whatever for a backstage pass please help me to come true my dream of knowing them i wouldn be ever thanked please , i know my english is not so goos but please!!!! tahnk you they´re coming to mexico city on october 24 to the motorokrfest please help me please!!!1