Incubus
Light Grenades

INCUBUS - "LIGHT GRENADES"

A few days ago, to my great surprise, I was asked to revisit the latest Incubus CD and review it. I didn't oppose, in fact, I was more than happy to review an album from one of the bands that characterized my adolescence.

Without hesitation and fear, let's talk about this album: the Californian quintet has released their latest effort two years after the acclaimed "A Crow Left Of The Murder." This work was eagerly anticipated not only by their large fanbase but also by all those who love rock music.

I have their latest work in my hands, unwrap it, breathe it in, put it into my stereo... And the journey begins...

We immediately enter strange atmospheres; in the first track "Quicksand" the group makes us hear Radiohead influences never heard before, the result is terrible, possibly one of the few cases where experimentation doesn't work... A Useless song that takes us directly to "A Kiss To Send Us Off", the second track of the CD, which embodies the true Incubus vein. Powerful riffs, a sweet voice, and a well-crafted chorus make this song one of the best.

Our journey continues with "Dig" where Boyd shows us the extent of his vocal range. An engaging ballad that starts with a nice arpeggio on which the entire track rests. Then comes the turn of the first single from the album "Anna Molly" where Pasillas shines with a series of off-beats worthy of the best Incubus. The album so far is enjoyable, but the listener cannot imagine what will happen next, as two tracks that can only be described as completely INSENSATE will follow.

"Love Hurts" and "Light Grenades" are the worst example of Incubus we've had so far. The first is a ballad that has nothing to say, lacking emotion and of an indefinable flatness, the second is a bad example of music in every sense, where you can notice the poor compositional and performance skills of Mike Einziger.

We proceed with the first part of the controversial piece "Earth to Bella". The piece is composed of two parts, the first mid-album while the second closes the CD. The first part is really well done with fitting and dreamy atmospheres. The only flaw of the piece is its length, only 2 minutes and 28 seconds... Really too short!

We move on to "Oil and Water" a mid-tempo piece where Brandon Boyd dominates, giving us a breathtaking vocal performance at the end. However, just when things seem to have adjusted, along comes "Diamond and Coal" yet another useless track from the band. I won't waste any lines to comment on this song... believe me, it's not worth it!

Just when I start to fear the worst, out comes from my stereo speakers "Rogues" with an inspired Passilas and an enviable performance from the entire band. This is the true gem of the album!!!
A highly engaging track that blends great rhythm with Boyd's always clean and linear voice. It's followed by the duo "Paper Shoes - Pendulous Threads". The first is a ballad that challenges human eyelid resistance!! I lost... after 2 minutes I was asleep on the ground... try it yourself!!! The second is a song with a complex structure that never manages to take off. The CD closes with the second part of "Earth to Bella" not at the same level as the first.

In conclusion, I can say that this Incubus album is certainly the worst CD from the Californian quintet. A step back for the band, but still, at times, it delights us with songs like "A Kiss To Send Us Off" , "Rogues" or "Anna Molly".

And that’s why I don't feel like giving it less than a passing grade.

Rating: 6

KK3