Incubus takes their audience into a “Sick Sad Little World” with the release of their new album.
“A Crow Left of the Murder … ,” the band’s fifth album, was released on Feb. 3 and takes a bold stance on some of the decisions the U.S. government has been making.
Keeping with Incubus’ approach to making albums, hints of new musical direction can be heard while maintaining the distinctive styles of a diverse band.
“I wouldn’t call it a political record, but I would say it’s definitely more opinionated than the rest,” said lead vocalist, Brandon Boyd in an interview with Yahoo! Music. “It’s kind of hard not to have an opinion about the things that are going on, and if you don’t have an opinion about it, you’re probably living under a rock or in a cave somewhere.”
The album still produces the same innovative techniques Incubus fans are used to but with a strong message. It is clearly darker and more relaxed than their previous album “Morning View.” The message sets the tone for the album and defines the mood as loud and energetic.
The new album closely resembles their second album, “S.C.I.E.N.C.E.,” in that the band returns to its roots of anger, sickness and depression while maintaining a more distinct sense of maturity than any of their previous albums.
This album also signifies the beginning of a new wave for the band. Former Roots bassist Ben Kenney replaces Alex Katunich, who was asked to leave the band because of creative and personal differences.
Their first single, “Megalomaniac” leaves little doubt about their position on present-day politics.
“Hey megalomaniac! You’re no Jesus! Yeah, you’re no f-ing Elvis! Wash your hands clean of yourself baby and step down! Step down! Step down!”
The title refers to a person with delusional fantasies of power, possibly President Bush and the United States.
“‘Megalomaniac’ deals lyrically and conceptually with the idea that some people perceive themselves as being infallible,” said lead guitarist Mike Einziger to Yahoo! music.
The track “Agoraphobia” is the complete opposite. Its simple rhythm is almost hypnotic. The strongest part of the song is the chorus medley.
When Boyd sings “I’m gonna stay inside…,” it is so mellow that it perfectly continues the flow of the song.
The most powerful track is “Sick Sad Little World.” A flowing bass line, excellent guitar playing into and throughout the chorus and powerful rhythmic drumming help this track outshine the rest. Not to mention the unexpected, two-minute guitar solo which is absolutely amazing.
The release date of the new album was almost postponed due to a severe accident.
About three months ago, Boyd was in his yard re-potting a tree and when he lifted the tree, he stepped backward onto a large shard of a broken pot which severed 90 percent of his Achilles tendon.
Luckily, the band decided to remain on schedule with the release of their album.
The CD consists of a bonus DVD that features live performances, exclusive interviews and a comical re-enactment of Boyd’s gardening accident.
