As
their name (taken from a mythological demon that had sex with sleeping
women) suggests, Incubus has conceived a highly seductive album in Morning
View. Those who knew the Calabasas, CA-based band before they
hit it big last year with Make Yourself know that their sound has
radically changed over the years. Their first two full-length
albums, Fungus Amongus and S.C.I.E.N.C.E, were a raw
mixture of rock, metal, and hip-hop. With the last two (Make
Yourself and Morning View), Incubus has dropped the metal and
mellowed out, creating two very similar albums.
For the new release, the band, consisting of Brandon Boyd
(vocals), Michael Einziger (guitar/vocals), DJ Kilmore (turntables),
Dirk Lance (bass), and Jose Pasillas (drums), lived and recorded in a
Malibu mansion in an attempt to give Morning View a more relaxed
sound. The groovy, soulful "Are You In" takes full
advantage of this laid-back approach and becomes the standout
track. The first track, "Nice To Know You," is the
perfect example of how to successfully pull off having a DJ as your
fifth band member. DJ Kilmore not only dramatically enhances the
sound of that particular track, but he plays a significant part in the
whole record. The first single, "Wish You Were Here",
displays Einziger's well-honed guitar skills, mixing beautiful riffs
with Boyd's lyrical imagery. Boyd describes the track as "a
simple and straightforward ditty about the beauty of a moment in
paradise. And the desire to share that moment with someone of like
mind." The last song, "Aqueous Transmission," is an
adventure in itself, offering the listener an Oriental/Middle Eastern
feel with a beautiful string arrangement provided by Suzi Katayama.
All in all, Incubus are seasoned musicians who have made an
excellent album. If you enjoyed their previous album, Make
Yourself, you'll definitely love Morning View. Though
the themes are exceedingly different, the overall sound of Morning
View doesn't stray far from the sound of its predecessor. -Lauren
Bradley
Links: www.enjoyincubus.com
www.epicrecords.com |
