Source: Album Artwork
Funk rock five-piece Incubus may share the same postal code as the Kardashian clan, but their world’s couldn’t be further apart. Calabasas – known as a hub for the rich and famous, will once again see Incubus rise in stature as they make the musical return we’ve all been waiting for.
Its been four years since the band’s last release If Not Now, When? and their latest offering of tracks is set to kick up a storm – maybe its because we’ve been waiting so long, guys! Trust Fall (Side A), as the name suggests, is the first chapter of a collection of songs the band have promised to release in the mix with their galavanting with Deftones around the States.
The EP opens with ‘Trust Fall’ in a surprisingly tame crescendo of percussion that falters into a guitar thirsty breakdown. Its ferocious and groovy in all the right places, and with an added hint of lyric addictiveness, its an opener that pleases to say the least. The track’s haywire tempo leads comfortably into funk-meets-groove partners ‘Make Out Party’ and ‘Absolution Calling’.
This middle section of the EP is where we see true hints of shoegaze. Guitar distortion and low-line bass create an alluring grunge number in ‘Make Out Party’. Its certainly not the upbeat number that greeted you six minutes previous. Whilst in most cases this would possible leave a confused body of work, here, it creates layers that excite.
By the time you make your way into drips and drabs of electronica, you’re met with closer ‘Dance Like You’re Dumb’. On the surface, it almost sounds like a Razorlight meets Royal Blood number with its indie-rock rapidity and distinct vocals. Through the track there’s a disappointing lack of real guts – that’s when the outro kicks in. An infusion of soul vocals and guitar, percussion malfunction spawn a little world of craziness. Somehow, it kinda works.
So, what’s the verdict? Is it Incubus’ best work? No. Is it the start of a promising future? Hell yes. Exploring new quirks and crafts in just four tracks gives us hope that this is only the beginning of what we’re yet to here.
