Photo by BILL BROWNLEE / SPECIAL TO THE STAR
Incubus doesn't rock. It swings.
Its music is loaded with heavy electric guitars, distorted feedback and histrionic vocals. But underneath Incubus' rock elements lies a relentless jazz-based groove.
It's an uncommon trait for a hard rock band. And it's what make Incubus a tremendous live act. Although proven hit makers -- the California band has sold over 6 million albums in the United States alone -- its recordings lack the vital pulse of its live performances.
Most of the capacity audience of just less than 2,000 crowded toward the
stage to bask in Incubus' swinging sound Wednesday night at the Uptown
Theater. Their attention focused on charismatic vocalist Brandon Boyd.
He's an effective howler and his frequent contortions drew fervent
appreciation from the mostly 20-something crowd.
But Incubus might be an even better band without Boyd. His lyrics are
kind of dopey and words just get in the way of the band's amazing
instrumental prowess. Drummer Jose Pasillas and bassist Ben Kenney
are a phenomenal rhythm section. Not once in the 80-minute
performance did they succumb to unnecessary showiness. Without their
foundation in funk and penchant for jazz rhythms, Incubus might be no
more than a cut-rate Pearl Jam.
That's no slight of guitarist Mike Einziger. He managed to reference the varied styles of Wes Montgomery, Carlos Santana and Jimmy Page on fan favorite "Wish You Were Here." His accomplished acoustic work on the sing-alongs "Redefine" and "Drive" was so striking that the audience paused briefly from their reverent sing-alongs to acknowledge Einziger's playing. Those songs segued into "New Skin," which began at an acoustic jam band-styled lope until Kenney redeemed it with a bass solo worthy of Ron Carter.
Adding additional textures to Incubus' sound was turntablist Chris Kilmore. His contributions were especially effective on "Have You Ever."
Befitting a band in their prime, many of the best-received songs were from Incubus' recent Light Grenades album. "Dig" and "Anna Molly" grooved mightily while "Paper Shoes" was a cool breeze. "Earth To Bella" roiled like the industrial fire in the East Bottoms.
The only soggy part of the concert was a spacey psychedelic jam session. It was only then that the band's light show, which had effectively enhanced their music without needless distraction, became a necessary prop.
The show ended after a raging single-song encore of "Megalomanic." It felt like a crime to give up the groove so soon.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSPACE / Above: Albert Hammond Jr. plays to the stroke of a different drummer.
The opener, Albert Hammond, Jr., is the first member of the Strokes to issue a
solo album. His refreshing opening performance made it immediately
evident that the move is no mere rock star whim. The 30-minute set resembled a sunny version of the Strokes. Arty angst was replaced by an unapologetically catchy pop bounce. Hammond seems to be channeling his father's big 1970s soft rock hit "It Never Rains In Southern California." The March release of Hammond's debut, "Yours To Keep," can't come soon enough.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Nothing really to add about this post.
Keep up the good work, Brownlee.
Posted by: Florn Roonst | February 15, 2007 at 11:52 AM