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Album Details

• Artist: Incubus
• Album: If Not Now, When?
• Label: Epic/Immortal
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: on 2011-08-04

Almost exactly one year after Brandon Boyd's solo album, The Wild Trapeze, Incubus hit the studio once again to pump out yet another full length album, If Not Now, When? This band has been drawing listeners since the early 90's regenerating their unique sound that is band specific. This album has turned a corner. Hardly the ripped up and sewn perfect feel you got from previous albums, this album leaves a bit cold.

Without a doubt, slower and less "Incubus" than anything else this band has ever produced. "If not now, when?" the opening track, supports this. Its rhythm instantly had me correlating U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". The next "Promises, Promises" is nearly the exact same layout. Lingering and missing that good ol' Incubus character. "Thieves" gives a bit of a boost as far as those hoping to link back up where this band left off. Still not up on the amp as I'd hoped but an improvement from the first tracks. By track seven the album is still coasting with Brandon Boyd and a simple guitar. Nothing really blowing up a girl's skirt. "In The Company of Wolves" is basically two songs in one sitting at 7:35. The first 3:30 or so was akin to the first tracks with the lulls but turns into one of the better tracks on the album for the remaining five minutes. "Adolescents" was chosen as the single for this album, and rightfully so. It's leading to the album. One of those not amazing singles by a band with a huge fan base believing the album would hold tracks to easily surpass the single exciting to seek out. Only you come up short with the bulk of ballads this album offers. Funny enough I actually liked the last track "Tomorrow's Food". I would have loved it had it been rounding out a huge Incubus soul shaking album, but alas; it was just a pretty wrap on a simplistic package.

Being a concert going Incubus junkie I was more disappointed than the average listener. Hearing a new Incubus album is like drinking with an old buddy. This time it seems my buddy has fallen on hard times and I had to buy the rounds all night. Some decent ballads sure, but the boys here are capable of so much more. I'm counting on a new album. You know it's Incubus by Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger but where's the punch? The sitar? The bongos? Bring back the flare and I'll drink to my buddy.

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