by Neelam Mehta
Daily Lobo
Normally hailed as one of the more positive bands on the rock scene, Incubus has proven with its latest release, A Crow Left of the Murder, that even they can get pissed off.
Besides their signature lyrics that read like poetry and a musical chemistry that allows for exploration outside the mainstream, Incubus has incorporated a slightly harder and darker sound into Crow.
Lead vocalist Brandon Boyd is definitely making a new statement on this album. Singing of a pain and disenchantment that was seemingly inevitable for a band that has been through a lot in its 13 years together.ˇ
"Talk Show on Mute" calls television "the chemical comfort of America," making reference to Orwell's 1984. While not a completely profound concept, the way the band throws a serene-sounding voice on top of a mellow tune makes it easier to appreciate.
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"Pistola" makes a point, through distorted guitar and syncopated-words, that in our society words are "a patriot's weapon of choice."
Looking around and deriving lyrics from isolated experiences is what makes Incubus a little off the norm - after reading a song's lyrics the message becomes clear.
The songs drift from the big picture to a smaller, more personal one, like in "Beware! Criminal," in which Boyd expresses his bitterness at a woman: "There's nothing left for me but empty promises and the thought of all the things I'm never getting back." With cymbals crashing, he finally sheds light on the situation, "Yeah, I'm down, but not out! And far from done."ˇ
The question left unanswered is, who is Boyd singing about?ˇ Who is the subject of his growl in "Agoraphobia," and who is he telling to (explitive) themselves in "Leech?" It seems like an intriguing mystery best left for the listener to decide.
Enough about lyrics, bassist Bob Kenney showcased abilities seldom heard on previous discs. His smooth bassline carries the track "Sick, Sad Little World," and spills over into the following song. The steady drag of his bass is the most prominent change the band made since the last album.ˇ
"Zee Deveel" makes fun of materialism and retains an air of cynicism: "Nice car! Where'dya get your ride? A trophy? Badge of honor? Overcompensation?" While the words are insightful, the best part of the song is the drumbeat. Sometimes simple but more intense when it needs to be, it is extremely pronounced compared to other modern rock. The beat makes or breaks a track, and drummer Jose Pasillas does a perfect job feeling out a song and sensing where the beats need to go.
Just because it is a little less optimistic than their previous releases, A Crow Left of the Murder does not leave out the vital elements of an awesome Incubus album and manages to add a little more.
