Two decades will make any band ready to experiment. While many groups naturally evolve over time as it is, sometimes one giant leap feels more worthwhile—and more risky. For Incubus, If Not Now, When? is a bit of both.
Formed in 1991, Incubus became known for fusing funk, rock, alt-metal and some DJ scratching to produce the sound that went to gain them four number one hits, including “Drive†and “Megalomaniac.†Their mainstream success came after opening for groups like Korn and 311 and participating in Ozzfest. If Not Now, When?, however, is almost a far cry from those days.
Fans will almost automatically notice the difference. The opener, title track “If Not Now, When?†begins the album more like an inspirational movie soundtrack with bright guitar chords, echoing timpani and a driving beat that is almost reminiscent of U2. Luckily, singer Brandon Boyd’s voice is clear and strong as ever—although even he seems to have softened up a bit.
“Promises, Promises†is equally slow but is driven more by acoustic guitars, almost country-like. It is now pretty clear that Incubus has gone almost adult contemporary in their sound, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—all rock stars grow up. Still, it’s also clear that their DJ has now become a (rather good) keyboardist and much of the angst of the past has faded.
For fans of love songs like “Stellar,†“Friends and Lovers†will stand out strong. Boyd croons, “In the end, we are friends and lovers,†over softly pounding drums and bright strings. The song may not hit as hard as “Stellar,†but it has a nice drive to it.
“Thieves†then brings out the band’s political side as Boyd asks, “Must I be a God-fearing, white American? Why should the thieves have all the fun, selling water by the river that should be for everyone…†Then comes “Isadore,†which is pretty much a fairytale set to music. The song is not amazingly catchy, but it still holds the album’s dreamy, laid-back tone well.
Speaking of dreamy, “The Original†has a very soft opening leading into a chill love song about admiring a unique woman. The wistful music echoes of outer space, a theme that really just seems to follow Incubus around.
On “Defiance,†the band then gets more organic. Had the track been electric, it would definitely sound like an early Incubus track from Morning View, but the acoustic approach adds a nice, mature touch. “In The Company of Wolves†also feels more mature, reminiscent of a classic Pink Floyd track and sure to please the fans that enjoy the hippie side of Incubus.
Finally, we hear a bit of rock in “Switchblade,†which features quick, somewhat choppy drumming and a juxtaposition of melodic choruses against sharply-spoken lyrics. The track feels original and different, and it’s nice to break away from the long string of chill tracks for a couple of minutes. “Adolescence†delves back into the laid back rock tone that Incubus has become famous for, which makes it a fitting single—it’s more familiar territory.
As the album comes to a close on the ethereal and melodic “Tomorrow’s Food,†it is now apparent that Incubus has grown up. Almost every track relies heavily on Boyd’s strong vocals and minimalist instrumentation, and the closing piece brings the spacey, haunting tone to a head to wrap a nicely made piece of art.
If Not Now, When? feels like an earthy meditation album that pays little homage to the band’s past and instead looks brightly into the future—and that is completely okay, because after a few listens, If Not Now, When? is a grower. Over time, original fans have seen the band’s evolution, noticing pieces of each past album in the following work, but this time, there is a definite progression into something deeper. Incubus has musically always hit on something slightly otherworldly, but If Not Now, When? may be the ticket to their future sound.
This article was originally published on AllMediaNY.com
Incubus has a strong following from the Caribbean as well. I see the evolution of this band and their music.
Incubus RULES! But is underated.