I'm glad you agree. I just felt like the 2 of them are especially hidden. I actually had a funny thought that seems like it could be entirely true -
During their "hiatus" not much was ever said about Ben or Jose. Brandon did his solo work and some other artsy stuff. Kilmore obviously continued learning new instruments and getting better on the keys. Mike spent time in Harvard studying music and music theory and all that fun stuff.
So take all those experiences during their break, go into the studio, and this is what happens. You get light, warm, music with a lot of piano and keys, a lot of "different" guitar work and guitar sounds, A LOT of vocals.......and no bass/drums.
It honestly seems like that's what happened. Like "hey guys look what I've been up to" from 3 guys, and nothing from the other two, who, all along have been THE Backbone of the band.
the whole Jose and Ben thing is completely right. Jose is such a strong drummer and great aspect to the band, but there is nothing here that lets him do his thing. In fact, you could say that for nearly everyone in the band other than Brandon. Thats why I dont even think it sounds like Incubus, but a solo album by Brandon.
but you cant deny that the opening song sounds like a freakin disney song for 8 year olds. Awful, awful song.
Also I really don't mind the opener. I think if you consider it strictly as an opening track to an album, or even as an opener to a live show, it works. Put it anywhere else on the album and I will probably feel different, but I do like it
very disappointed...i too never thought it would be possible but ahhhhh! HOWEVER, it is already starting to grow on me and i am much more accepting. even still, it is not up to incubus standards. the subtle musical changes and strange little intricate things are fucking sick, but the verses and choruses are poppy and cheesy often. the entire album is soft...lots of lovey shit. i hope brandon isn't turning into a pussy. also lacking is mikes awesome crazy guitar solos. on a positive side, brandon's voice does sound incredible....but it doesn't even matter alot of the time because of the poppy softness.
i will say though, 'in the company of wolves' is fucking AMAZING! from 4 minutes on it's just unbelievable. easily the album highlight if you ask me. the title track is really growing on me...adolescents is great but it really is the ONLY typical incubus sounding song. tomorrow's food was the other song i initially liked quite a bit. basically all the others i ditched off at first. some are growing a bit, but i'm still struggling. 'thieves' is growing a little but ahhh i don't know folks....i don't know...
2006: Hartford
2008: MSG 1, Hartford, Mansfield 2, Ed Solo NYC 1
2009: London (O2), Philly 1, 2, 3, & 4
2010: Hartford, Boston, MSG 1 & 2
2011: Ed Solo Hartford
2012: Philly (MIA Fest)
2013: Worcester 2, Brooklyn 1 & 2, Hartford
So this leaked, huh? Haven't listened to it, but I'm not very surprised by the somewhat negative reaction. They've been moving in a poppier direction since Light Grenades with songs like "Diamonds and Coal" so I don't think it should be that much of a shock. Personally, I'm fine with a slower, poppier direction as long as the strong songwriting is still there. Have to give this a listen.
This album is really growing on me. People just don't understand Incubus. Every one of their albums is going to
be different. They push themselves musically. I actually think this album will win them a bunch of awards, not that they care at all. Plus, I see some of these songs becoming jams on their next tour. If you have not seen this band live, then you are missing out. They put on one of the best shows I have ever seen.
Can someone point me in the right direction here? Big fan myself and interested to listen to what's out there given all of the surprisingly negative reactions....
Comments
During their "hiatus" not much was ever said about Ben or Jose. Brandon did his solo work and some other artsy stuff. Kilmore obviously continued learning new instruments and getting better on the keys. Mike spent time in Harvard studying music and music theory and all that fun stuff.
So take all those experiences during their break, go into the studio, and this is what happens. You get light, warm, music with a lot of piano and keys, a lot of "different" guitar work and guitar sounds, A LOT of vocals.......and no bass/drums.
It honestly seems like that's what happened. Like "hey guys look what I've been up to" from 3 guys, and nothing from the other two, who, all along have been THE Backbone of the band.
Also I really don't mind the opener. I think if you consider it strictly as an opening track to an album, or even as an opener to a live show, it works. Put it anywhere else on the album and I will probably feel different, but I do like it
very disappointed...i too never thought it would be possible but ahhhhh! HOWEVER, it is already starting to grow on me and i am much more accepting. even still, it is not up to incubus standards. the subtle musical changes and strange little intricate things are fucking sick, but the verses and choruses are poppy and cheesy often. the entire album is soft...lots of lovey shit. i hope brandon isn't turning into a pussy. also lacking is mikes awesome crazy guitar solos. on a positive side, brandon's voice does sound incredible....but it doesn't even matter alot of the time because of the poppy softness.
i will say though, 'in the company of wolves' is fucking AMAZING! from 4 minutes on it's just unbelievable. easily the album highlight if you ask me. the title track is really growing on me...adolescents is great but it really is the ONLY typical incubus sounding song. tomorrow's food was the other song i initially liked quite a bit. basically all the others i ditched off at first. some are growing a bit, but i'm still struggling. 'thieves' is growing a little but ahhh i don't know folks....i don't know...
2008: MSG 1, Hartford, Mansfield 2, Ed Solo NYC 1
2009: London (O2), Philly 1, 2, 3, & 4
2010: Hartford, Boston, MSG 1 & 2
2011: Ed Solo Hartford
2012: Philly (MIA Fest)
2013: Worcester 2, Brooklyn 1 & 2, Hartford
Once I get out of this town
9/29/04;6/27/08;6/30/08;8/23/09;08/24/09;5/17/10
Which kind of sucks for Incubus, since this album comes out in July, but maybe they'll push up the release date.
be different. They push themselves musically. I actually think this album will win them a bunch of awards, not that they care at all. Plus, I see some of these songs becoming jams on their next tour. If you have not seen this band live, then you are missing out. They put on one of the best shows I have ever seen.