If Not Now, When?

Incubus has been and will forever be my favorite band. I first got into them when a boy I was head over heels for told me to check out a few of their songs; Pardon Me (which has become my favorite song of all time), I Miss You, and Stellar. I hadn't got past those three songs for years. It wasn't until they dropped their 'A Crow Left of the Murder' album and my friend Drew brought a copy of it to school for me that I realized there was no going back. I fell in love with the rhythm of their music, the sound and tone of Brandon's voice, the alternative vibe that was Incubus. Since then, Light Grenades and Monuments and Melodies (a 2 disc set comprised mostly of their Greatest Hits with a few new and never before released tracks) have filled my ears with joy. It seemed as though they just couldn't make bad music, as if it were impossible.

It seems I may have gotten ahead of myself.

After what seemed like forever, my pre-ordered copy of  'If Not Now, When?' finally arrived! Coming home to a slim, squared shaped package sitting on the counter made me second guess what time of year it was, "Christmas Already?". I couldn't get that cardboard and plastic unwrapped fast enough. What lay ahead was unbeknown-st to me, but what I DID know, think rather, was it was going to be magical. After hearing the first two singles they let loose I couldn't wait to hear what else they had in store.

I've given the album a couple of listens already, I am still not sure how I feel about it. Of course, Brandons soothing voice has not changed, the level of artistry from any of the band members hasn't weakened at all but something about the new sound of this album doesn't sound all that 'Incubus-y'. I'm not mad at my boys, I understand they can't make the same music over and over again but I just don't know if I am buying the pairing of the lyrics and the music. A lot of the songs sound like they are singing the wrong song with the music or that Brandon isn't exactly sure when to start and how long to hold the lyric. It just sounds awkward. Or maybe, MAYBE, what their singing about just doesn't touch any base of my life right now (there's actually a great chance of this).

All in all, this wouldn't be the album I'd copy for someone who hasn't had the Incubus experience. & it will surely take a few more listens before I find my footing among the new sound they've created. They're still the love of my music life and I will not turn my back just because one album did not wholly and completely blow me away.