If Not Now,When?

Rating: **

For a band that began as a funk/alternate metal band in California almost 20 years ago,Incubus has come a long way,not only in terms of their style but also their genre. There are no marked references from their S.C.I.E.N.C.E.,Make Yourself,and A Crow Left Of The Murder days. If Not Now,When? their seventh album comes after a six year hiatus and is a marked change from the previous ones. The album deals with love,success and romance. Audiences who are used to the old Incubus with their speedy guitar riffs and grungy vocals will be surprised with a more defined style that is reminiscent of Creeds Weathered.

The album opens with the title song If Not Now When?,which is a slow acoustic number. Other tracks like Promises Promises and Adolescents too come with slower vocals but with a distinctively faster guitar riff and rhythmic drumming. The vocals by Brandon Boyd are similar in all the songs with minimal innovation. Ben Kenney,bass guitarist,and Michael Einziger,lead guitarist have distinct sounding riffs that are reminiscent,in parts,of the Incubus of the late 90s.

Switchblade,is a definite reminder of Incubus prior to their breakup,back in 2006,when the bands metal influence could be heard loud and clear.

The album is largely repetitive with songs like The Original,Isadore,Defiance sounding like one long and soft ballad. Incubus fans who are used to the band playing good solid funk metal will be a tad disappointed.

rohan.swamyexpressindia.com