2006年 Dec 8日 Friday, 17:39

A band with a history together always produces better music. The welding of talents does not happen overnight. It is thus not unusual today to see that the bands that make it big are the ones that have been jammin' and goofin' around together in their garages since they were kids. Take some examples: 311, Weezer, Green Day, Flea and Anthony Kieidis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Any of those ring a bell? A band that has been together for a long time has a certain sense of togetherness. This sense of unity only unites the listener with the music and the band even more. In 2004, Incubus was nearing their 13th year of writing and making music together. And that history was definitely peeking its head out of the water. In the same year, Incubus put out their best and most impressive album to date: "A Crow Left of the Murder."
Incubus is known for their unique sound. Combining rock music with electronica elements, they created a sound all their own. Over the years, their popularity had snowballed and when they released "A Crow…" in 2004, they had the biggest fan base they had ever had so far in their career. Even without the stable, hardcore fans, "A Crow…" would have still blown everyone away and would have become a mega-hit.
The track list is topped by the first single "Megalomaniac." A megalomaniac is someone who experiences delusional fantasies of wealth, power, or fame. The title is making reference to a modern day political figure (ahem) and it screams political discontent and unrest. All you hear at first is eerie instrumentals, with Boyd dreamily vocalizing softly in the background. Then, with increasing volume, Incubus kicks you in the rear with a hard-rocking introduction. Boyd sings the first verse, then the heart pumping rock instrumentals pick up again in the chorus. A powerful album needs a powerful opening and "Megalomaniac" does quite a nice job.
While it is mostly obvious what "Megalomaniac" is about, that is not usually the norm with Incubus songs. I'll be perfectly honest with you: I typically have no idea what EXACTLY their songs are about. But that is one thing that I love so much about this band. They don't tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves and you have to search to find their meaning. There is definitely nothing wrong with that. Listening to their music can be so liberating; doesn't the fact that you can put your own spin on the lyrical interpretations simply make it even better? However, to put "A Crow…" into a nutshell isn't totally out of the picture. For the most part, "Crow" is about political unrest (Take Megalomaniac as an example), a controlling and shallow media force (Talk Shows on Mute), depression (Agoraphobia), lack of love (Sick Sad Little World), and also the tranquility of loving another person (Here in My Room). Megalomaniac is a compelling first track but it certainly does not stop there. The album continues on with a great mix of songs with more forceful musical elements, as well as a handful of songs that are more on the mellow side. Each song is refreshingly different and each are memorable in their own way. Boyd and Company feel their music in their hearts and souls and there is no lack of display when it comes to that. Not much more can be said; this album is amazing.
Pop it in, hold tight, and let Incubus take you for a ride.

-Danielle Campos

*Suggested Listening: Megalomaniac, Talks Shows on Mute, Sick Sad Little World, Southern Girl, and Here in My Room*

IncubusA Crow Left of the MurderMegalomaniacTalk Shows on MuteSick Sad Little WorldSouthern GirlHere in My Room