Incubus : Make Yourself

07/20/00

Rating : Four and a half stars out of five.

  I've been listening to this CD since it was released but only now is it getting some much deserved MTV airplay. Incubus should not be confused with today's slew of rap/metal/funk bands like Limp Bizkit and Korn.  The only similarities being a turntable and heavy guitars but that's about it. Incubus has something that I really like, good songs. They favor melody over attitude, on the CD and also on stage.
  Another thing that sets them head and shoulders over many bands that may cover similar sonic territory is their outstanding playing. Guitarist Mike Einziger is one of the most creative guitarists I've heard in a long time.  He uses an arsenal of effects to enhance every song but never as a novelty. Flanges, phasers, delays, pick noises are all used to create an almost alien-like backdrop for the rest of the band.  Oh sure, he plays the requisite metallic guitar too but only when it enhances the song.
  Chris "DJ" Kilmore is unlike other DJs that use scratching as an effect to fill space. Kilmore deftly weaves rhythms, loops and isn't afraid to move the turntable slower, creating more melodic sounds than that high pitched speed-scratching everyone else does. Dirk "Alex" Lance plays some nice sounding bass lines (I like his fretless playing) but unfortunately, he's sometimes buried in the mix.  I'd like to hear his bass have a little more midrage in them to bring them to the front of the mix when needed.

  Even with all that great playing the one that really elevates this CD to a higher level is drummer Jose Pasillas. I was really surprised to hear that he wasn't formally trained because he demonstrates a nice touch on the snare. Instead of bashing every song he knows how to use dynamics to build the song structure along with some plain killer rhythms. Of course he's influenced by one of my favorite drummers, the Police's Stewart Copeland and it shows in a good way.

  The glue that holds all the playing together and makes it work is the songs and the lyrics.  Singer Brandon Boyd writes lyrics that are sometimes a little dark but not depressing like say The Smiths.  My favorite songs are the first two singles Pardon Me and Stellar but I also like Drive and the opening riff heavy Privilege.  For those who want a turtable tour-de-force, they should listen to Battlestar Scralatchtica.  Kilmore, works some mad rhythmic scratching on that one over some cool subtle funky bass and drums.
  I really like this CD. In fact, I still listen to it a lot.  The only think that bums me out about them is that they're all younger than I am. Sure that's just plain jealousy but that's how I am.  Anyway, go out and buy Make Yourself and if you like it, buy their older stuff too.

The official Incubus Web Site : www.enjoyincubus.com