Never underestimate the importance of the bassist as a style-making entity in a rock band. With its first personnel change since DJ Chris Kilmore replaced DJ Lyfe after 1999's "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.," Incubus is a prime example of this concept.
Ben Kenney, former bass player for the Roots, takes over the role Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich has filled since the group's inception and makes a marked difference in the style of their new record, "A Crow Left of the Murder."
While the bass lines aren't entirely indicative of a shift, the play of the rhythm section as a whole is new to Incubus. Drummer Jose Pasillas' normal spasmodic yet controlled Latin style of drumming now leans more towards a heavy rock and roll.
"A Crow Left of the Murder" begins exactly where traditional fiery Incubus songs have left off. "Megalomaniac," the album's first single, begins with a minute of spacey build-up and then rips into the chorus instrumentally. The song slips into the groove-oriented verses for which Incubus is known, highlighted by the crooning of singer Brandon Boyd.
Boyd's lyrics are a little weak on the record, slanted towards mushy words of teen love and violent opposition to well, something, but as usual his simultaneously smooth and vibrant voice renders the lyrics an afterthought. Boyd is what keeps Incubus well above the status quo of horrific mainstream rock music, his voice easily the best and most versatile in rock radio today.
Incubus' full-length records have each had a significantly different feel from their previous work and "A Crow Left of the Murder" is no exception. 1997's "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." was a high energy, funk-laden record that earned the band slots on tours with then up and coming rap-rock bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit. 1999's "Make Yourself" hurtled the band from the horrors of rap-rock to the front of the mainstream rock pack with the inescapable singles "Pardon Me," "Stellar," and "Drive."
In 2001 the band released "Morningview," their most melodic, and commercial album yet. Boyd became a sex symbol, exploiting this newfound title with wind-blown, chest baring, simply laughable videos like the one for their single, "Wish You Were Here."
"A Crow Left of the Murder" is the band's move towards mellow, laid back, contemplative rock music. Boyd has often referred to drug use in his lyrics and this record is an acknowledgment to the effects of marijuana. With the exception of a few ferocious rock songs, the album is more groove-based than anything they have done since "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." and more relaxed as a whole than anything the band has released.
Aside from some notably terrible lyrics - Boyd whines, "I understand why they say high school never ends" on the love-bitten "Smile Lines" - "A Crow Left of the Murder" is a worthwhile listen, especially after a few trial spins feeling it out.
This comes recommended for fans of marijuana, making out, 8th grade poetry and 10th grade rebellion. Ziggy Marley in 2008.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
