CD Review: Incubus, "A Crow Left of the Murder" (Epic/Immortal)
In a way, their latest album sees the band embrace all of its California "rawk" roots, by going punk, goth and metal all at once.
You can thank guitar whiz Mike Einziger for the switch. His fancy handiwork is all over the album's 14 ambitious cuts. From his everlasting solo on "Sick Sad Little World," to the raucous rhythm that powers album-opener and surefire hit, "Megalomaniac," Einziger's ear-splitting metallic notes lay the foundation for the rest of the band to rock out.
Singer and poster-boy Brandon Boyd now incorporates a dark, Jonathan Davis-inspired sound in between his Geddy Lee-esque vocal gymnastics. His lyrics remain quasi-collegiate. Evidence: "I heard a word from on high/Clear like a light in the sky/It said, 'quit blowing each other up,'" from "Made for TV Movie."
So "A Crow Left of the Murder"--whatever the name means is anyone's guess--is a very prog-metal album. Yes, Incubus has the goods to craft some blisteringly powerful guitar madness--albeit occasionally hook-less, forgettable madness--like most prog rock, essentially.
Editor's Note: Incubus' publicist--and more than a few other readers--remind us that, in another definition, 'murder' means a group of crows--similar to the way 'herd' refers to sheep. Which ought to answer our reviewer's question about the meaning of the album's title.
[]
[]
[]
311 works up to its big day [December 2007]
November's New Music DVD Releases: Bon Jovi, Tina Turner, Nirvana [November 2007]


Hot Chip electro-fies America once more
3 Doors Down, Staind, Hinder book more shows
Tina Turner expands comeback tour
Weekend Ticketing: Madonna, Coldplay, Tina Turner, American Idols Live, Brad Paisley
The Raconteurs make 'Lonely' tour longer
Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson together again
Kate Voegele's music career blossoms
Bow Wow headlines summer outing
Joe Bonamassa launches extensive tour
The Hold Steady firms up summer trek
Cute Is What We Aim For takes aim at summer trek


Etta James, Gov't Mule, John Hiatt Play Telluride
Bonnaroo Adds New Orleans Venue
Syesha Mercado Looks To Life After "Idol"
LiveDaily Weekend: Green Day, Madonna, Neil Diamond and more
LiveDaily Song of the Day: Joan As Police Woman - "To Be Loved"
Matisyahu And Chiodos Join Warped Tour
Dolly Parton Outraged Over Howard Stern Segment
Shania Twain, "Mutt" Lange Separate
LiveDaily News Break, May 15: Ozzfest, Bon Jovi, Neil Diamond and more
LiveDaily Song of the Day: Mates of State - "My Only Offer"

