Incubus - Light Grenades

[Steve Henderson]

Incubus - Light Grenades
Release Date: 11/28/06
Record Label: Epic/Immortal


Incubus is the type of band that has been all over the map. As far as most acts go, they tend to work their way up, taste success, then start to fade away into relative obscurity. Incubus, however, does not seem to subscribe to this. For some reason or another, while their peers have long since walked off into the sunset of shittiness, Brandon Boyd and his crew somehow have managed to stay relevant for all these years. The group has had the slow-burn sleeper success (Make Yourself), the breakout superstar release (Morning View), and on the other side of the coin, the frigidly received (but still undeniably intriguing) A Crow Left of the Murder. When their latest work sloughed off a lot of the fickle frat-rock crowd just along for the Top 40 ride, it was quite interesting to suppose where Incubus would go with their follow-up effort. Thankfully enough, the end result is one that will please many fans, both old and new, as Light Grenades finds Incubus still comfortably diverging from its old-school nu-metal leanings, and embracing a more up-front straight-forward rock edge. Perhaps the best part of the entire equation, though, is how they do it with a level of conviction and sincerity that strongly illustrates how far the band has come and how well they have established themselves.

Right from the start of Light Grenades, the album announces itself as a "return to form." From the spacey echoes of "Quicksand" to the kicked-up bombast of "A Kiss To Send Us Off," it is evident that Incubus had a clear sense of focus working on the record. The best part about it, however, is the fact that it only gets better from there. "Dig" is a patient number that brings the band the closest it has been to "Drive" since its feverish success a few years ago. After that, the bar gets set even higher, as the jangly "Anna Molly" is easily one of the best songs that Incubus has ever written. Catchy, slick, but with a cool-handed edge throughout, the track is trademark Incubus - namely, the one that fans love so much. "Love Hurts" (no, not from the Gatorade commercials) is then the type of song that sets the band apart form its peers. Whereas a host of other would make a work like this sound cheeseball and hokey (I'm looking at you, Hoobastank), Incubus pulls it off with the greatest of ease (think "Echo").

From then on, the rest of Light Grenades is a bit of a mixed bag. "Light Grenades" is an adrenalin-spiked blitz that could easily be a S.C.I.E.N.C.E b-side, while "Rogues" is the kicked-up alterna-rock so consistently applied on Crow. On the other hand, though, "Oil and Water" and "Diamonds and Coal" occupy the off-kilter mid-speed that makes the band sound a little too restrained, but through it all, the songs still maintain an almost unfair amount of stickiness. And really, while these songs might be less than ideal, any shortcomings are still negated by the fabulous two-part "Earth to Bella" which is at once, a cacophonous interlude and an unnervingly eloquent closer. Sure, it is no "Aqueous Transmission," but it is still entirely notable.

As a music fan that grew up as Incubus was really coming into its own, I have been rooting for them all they way to their superstar level of success they hold at present. And while Crow was not exactly what I had hoped for, I was still able to see a great deal of allure in it. From there then, expectations were on edge for Light Grenades, but with this release, Incubus has met my hopes for this record, and even exceeded them. In the face of dumbed-down radio rock that continues to devolve (*cough* Hinder *cough*), it is such a pleasure to see a band like finding success in the constant refinement of their sound, and for the steady journey along which they have constantly matured.


Incubus - the one and only, or any of the posers that have followed

[billymassey]

i might have to actually download this one... they can't outdo morning view but crow sucked...

[ARo2431]

Ive heard good things about this album. I like the shout out to hinder too haha so true

[jimmy22888]

Wow, yeah, thanks for reminding me of the beautiful "Aqueous Transmission." :)

[michaelwinters]

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to this day, i think that A Crow Left of the Murder was one of the best Rock albums to ever be released in my lifetime. Light Grenades is fantastic as well, but the creativity and explorative nature that permeates the songs on ACLOTM never fails to astound me. Again, it's only my opinion, but If you hate ACLOTM, I highly suggest giving it another spin with a bit of a different perspective. Incubus continues to redefine themselevs on an album-to-album basis, something that all bands should aspire to do. You may not like Incubus, but you can never say they are boring.

[Steve Henderson]

Wow, yeah, thanks for reminding me of the beautiful "Aqueous Transmission." :)
Such an awesome song...I rediscovered it a few weeks ago.

[whyte39]

great review, such a good album

[RomeoAGoGo]

Amazing album.
Amazing band.


Good review.

[gladnads]

Fabulous review, and a very well put together CD.

[thisismyname]

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to this day, i think that A Crow Left of the Murder was one of the best Rock albums to ever be released in my lifetime. Light Grenades is fantastic as well, but the creativity and explorative nature that permeates the songs on ACLOTM never fails to astound me. Again, it's only my opinion, but If you hate ACLOTM, I highly suggest giving it another spin with a bit of a different perspective. Incubus continues to redefine themselevs on an album-to-album basis, something that all bands should aspire to do. You may not like Incubus, but you can never say they are boring.


I agree, well I may not go as far as to say one of the best rock albums of my lifetime, but it still is one damn good listen, And I really feel It doesnt get the love it should have gotten.

[live4music]

this is my first disappointment from incubus. i cant stand this album but i also adore ACLOTM and every other incubus album with the exception of this album. i think lyrically it sounds more like a brandon boyd solo record

[quiksilver21k]

wow steve...that was one of the best reviews I have ever read on any website. I'm being 100% sincere too. You obviously have a solid background with Incubus and the fact that you mentioned how much Echo is amazing...well...gives you Incubus cred. I also like how you talked about ACLOTM as straying them away from the frat boys. I really like the new album...especially the guitar on Pendulous Threads and Anna Molly IS one of their best songs. I hope they keep making great music. 10/10 on your review.

[bradyreier]

very good review steve. after listening to this album many many times, i honestly say that i still love it. to me, this album is right up there with morning view.

[fowruok]

I'm a big Incubus fan -- my ordering of their albums:
1.) ACLOTM
2.) Morning View
3.) Light Grenades
Make Yourself
5.) SCIENCE
6.) Fungus Amongus

All excellent albums (besides Fungus...)

[Steve Henderson]

wow steve...that was one of the best reviews I have ever read on any website. I'm being 100% sincere too. You obviously have a solid background with Incubus and the fact that you mentioned how much Echo is amazing...well...gives you Incubus cred. I also like how you talked about ACLOTM as straying them away from the frat boys. I really like the new album...especially the guitar on Pendulous Threads and Anna Molly IS one of their best songs. I hope they keep making great music. 10/10 on your review.

Thank you very much...I appreciate the kind words. :)

[AFSjulian]

I've never been super into Incubus, but "Anna Molly" is awesome.

[moises_naruto]

good review... i think its their best cd since make yourself....

[kevinhagan]

this album is great, as all the incubus albums since science have been. a lot of people i talk to dont like a crow, but i think its real diff and good. here in my room is one of my fav songs by them. but yea, light grenades is def in my top 10 of '06.

[matt_garland]

Its an incredible album They've been my favourite band since SCIENCE. They got me into alternative music in 96, thanks for being another person who loves them to death.

[lushintransit]

Good review. Well written and I agree with everything said. My only qualm is that I would have given the lyrics a higher rating. Of course, I'm biased since I adore "Love Hurts" so desperately.

Make Yourself>Light Grenades>ACLOTM>Morning View>SCIENCE>FA....and I agree with the poster somewhere above me--all amazing albums except FA.

[Chemical Love]

This was my favorite CD of '06.

[No_Soul420]

Not a very good album. Also I think the review could use a little polishing. You fail to really bring up the contrasts in the bass work, DJ work and the inferiority of Brandon's vocals and lyrics now as opposet to older albums.

[kissible&quiet]

Amazing album.
Amazing band.


Good review.
^ seconded.

[Roboman]

Not a very good album. Also I think the review could use a little polishing. You fail to really bring up the contrasts in the bass work, DJ work and the inferiority of Brandon's vocals and lyrics now as opposet to older albums.

Or maybe he just doesn't see the same problems with the album as you do.

[notoaststereo]

great interview... sure the album isnt as good as the old stuff... but its stil a great album abdl holds itself up next to the others.

[relevanceof27]

Man, I love everything this band has ever done. I'm still unsure as to whether I like this album better or 'crow' but I do like both a whole lot. I get to see them Wednesday in Dallas at a venue that holds 3000 at most. Be jealous.

[FatJordan]

Crow really grew on me after awhile...I don't know if this album is going to do the same.

[Steve Henderson]

Not a very good album. Also I think the review could use a little polishing. You fail to really bring up the contrasts in the bass work, DJ work and the inferiority of Brandon's vocals and lyrics now as opposet to older albums.

Boyd's vocals here are just as strong as any other Incubus album.

Yes, the DJ's presence here is lessened. Hence the references to more straight up rock and less nu metal.

Not sure how you bitch about the bass work...it is a highlight, as reflected in the high score for musicianship.

Yes, the lyrics are the relative low point here, and that is why that was the lowest-scored area.

Any more questions?

[Steve Henderson]

Or maybe he just doesn't see the same problems with the album as you do.

Thank you.

[Branevember31]

i like it...its not amazing, but its definitely a good listen


great review

[llmp]

1. Make Yourself
2. SCIENCE
3. Light Grenades
4. Morning View
5. Crow

I could not stand Crow.

And this reminds me, I need to get my Incubus cds back...

[tommyhaych]

1.SCIENCE
2.Morning View
3.Light Grenades
4.Make Yourself
5.Crow

Thats not really saying any of them are bad at all. I just have more preference on SCIENCE. Its a fucking classic

Good review, although I have to disagree on Diamonds and Coal and Oil and water. I find them to be a couple of the best songs on LG.

Again, Incubus fail to disappoint.

[Dirty Ernie]

Oil and Water is my favorite off the album.

And I agree, the first time I heard the song Lights Grenades, I immediately thought SCIENCE.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

very DISAPOINTING cd

[Natethatank23]

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to this day, i think that A Crow Left of the Murder was one of the best Rock albums to ever be released in my lifetime. Light Grenades is fantastic as well, but the creativity and explorative nature that permeates the songs on ACLOTM never fails to astound me. Again, it's only my opinion, but If you hate ACLOTM, I highly suggest giving it another spin with a bit of a different perspective. Incubus continues to redefine themselevs on an album-to-album basis, something that all bands should aspire to do. You may not like Incubus, but you can never say they are boring.

I totally agree, give this album another shot, I'm sure you will change ur mind, even try getting and listening to it....

[Natethatank23]

INCUBUS IS THEE BEST BAND OF THIS ERA, SIMPLY PUT......all these bands w/ the same record over and over, Incubus takes chances and isnt afraid to try something new on each album, and what other band can say this. Listen to each album and tell me that they sound alike
Fungus=their young, immature, yet contagious funk album
SCIENCE=their heavy, rock album
Make Yourself= alternative rock album
Morning View=their mellow, yet lyrical best album
ACLOTM=their experimental album, that honestly helped them to perfect Light Grenades
Light Grenades=mature and new level album that will bring fans from the past sayin, wow I forgot why I loved them so much

SIMPLY PUT

[emerica171]

Punchdrunk and Look Alive are fucking amazing

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

the song light grenades is nothing to anything on science nor does it sound like the style.

[HapaGirl]

Great review... I agree with more of this review than any other that I've read of it.

[Steve Henderson]

Oil and Water is my favorite off the album.

And I agree, the first time I heard the song Lights Grenades, I immediately thought SCIENCE.

the song light grenades is nothing to anything on science nor does it sound like the style.
Haha. Obviously people can disagree.

[eyewtkas]

everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but to this day, i think that A Crow Left of the Murder was one of the best Rock albums to ever be released in my lifetime. Light Grenades is fantastic as well, but the creativity and explorative nature that permeates the songs on ACLOTM never fails to astound me. Again, it's only my opinion, but If you hate ACLOTM, I highly suggest giving it another spin with a bit of a different perspective. Incubus continues to redefine themselevs on an album-to-album basis, something that all bands should aspire to do. You may not like Incubus, but you can never say they are boring.

YES!!!!!! A crow left of the murder is one of my favorite albums to this day.
goodonya michaelwinters

[Domenic182]

Way better than A Crow

[ShervonEsf]

good review. youre my favorite reviewer from ap.
i saw the band last night in san diego.
videos here:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individua l&videoid=1730076354

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individua l&videoid=1730097642

[nicklogan]

i loved crow.. a lot

[benallen]

This album rules!!!

[hollywoodending]

awesome review, awesome record

[truthbetoldxx]

i might have to actually download this one... they can't outdo morning view but crow sucked...
i thought a crow left of the murder was great
but i've always preferred s.c.i.e.n.c.e, fungus amoungus and enjoy incubus, their funky nu-metal stylings were amazing, i just don't like their new stuff that much

[No_Soul420]

Boyd's vocals here are just as strong as any other Incubus album.

Yes, the DJ's presence here is lessened. Hence the references to more straight up rock and less nu metal.

Not sure how you bitch about the bass work...it is a highlight, as reflected in the high score for musicianship.

Yes, the lyrics are the relative low point here, and that is why that was the lowest-scored area.

Any more questions?


Please listen to Glass and tell me this timekeeper has anything on Dirk Lance. Listen to the lyrics from Certain Shade of Green vs the stuff from "Crow". Kilmore might as well not even exist. He isn't even used to create atmosphere as he used to be on songs like "The Warmth". Also, Brandon's preeoccupation with his Flasetto is annoying. The man also does not let any part of a song go without his vocals over top. He ruins the majority of outros (when they can be found) by singing nonstop. Also, Mike Einzinger (?) basically wanks off on the new albums. I do like "Earth to Bella", but again it feels rushed and disjointed.

The last good Incubus song for me was their 22 minute song "The odessey" Thats good shit IMO

[hatemecozimemo]

after ACLOTM and after reading what the band had to say about the new album (like 13 different songs played by 13 different bands), i was quite skeptical about Light Grenades. but after i saw the video for Anna Molly, i found it quite interesting. i really like Anna Molly, Pendulous Threads, Dig and Love Hurts. nice album and great review Steve.

[screamoutmyname]

very, very, very good review/album

[DivisionStreet]

Please listen to Glass and tell me this timekeeper has anything on Dirk Lance. Listen to the lyrics from Certain Shade of Green vs the stuff from "Crow". Kilmore might as well not even exist. He isn't even used to create atmosphere as he used to be on songs like "The Warmth". Also, Brandon's preeoccupation with his Flasetto is annoying. The man also does not let any part of a song go without his vocals over top. He ruins the majority of outros (when they can be found) by singing nonstop. Also, Mike Einzinger (?) basically wanks off on the new albums. I do like "Earth to Bella", but again it feels rushed and disjointed.

The last good Incubus song for me was their 22 minute song "The odessey" Thats good shit IMO

Chris Kilmore did not do much DJing on this record, as they no longer really need turntables on their new material aside from samples (strings, atmospheric elements) while playing live. Instead, Kilmore branched out, playing instruments such as piano, mellotron, synth, marxophone, etc. Check out the Anna Molly video in the first ten seconds to see him in action. I think it's a good move for him.

[bung]

I'm a big Incubus fan -- my ordering of their albums:
1.) ACLOTM
2.) Morning View
3.) Light Grenades
Make Yourself
5.) SCIENCE
6.) Fungus Amongus

All excellent albums (besides Fungus...)

Lol, more like:

1.) SCIENCE
2.) Fungus Amongus
3.) Make Yourself
4.) Crow
5.) Morning View
6.) Light Grenades

Fungus and SCIENCE are steps above anything Incubus has ever put out. I give Light Grenades a 4/10.

[lushintransit]

Lol, more like:

1.) SCIENCE
2.) Fungus Amongus
3.) Make Yourself
4.) Crow
5.) Morning View
6.) Light Grenades

Fungus and SCIENCE are steps above anything Incubus has ever put out. I give Light Grenades a 4/10.


You into a different incubus. Their early work is a completely different band than their later work.

[SuzaGmofo]

amazing band! my fave!!!

[Chevy114]

I love this album it's incubus with more instruments to spice it up a little.

[Chris Fallon]

This is a terrific review, Steve-o. I'm a big Incubus fan, and personally, I liked A Crow Left of the Murder a lot, and I don't see why it never caught on. This album is better, in my opinion, but honestly...I like everything Incubus has done. I have always liked Brandon's voice and Mike's guitar work.

It's just nice to see them continue to have success after coming around during a time of rap-rock and nu-metal. They have gone out of their way to stray from the redundancy and just flat-out rock.

[SwallowMyWords]

I could not disagree with you more on this review. THERE IS NO SONG THAT COMES EVEN CLOSE TO S.C.I.E.N.C.E !?! what cd were you listening to? definitely wasn't Light Grenades! I will say, I am a HUGE INCUBUS fan-and this cd just eats shit. INCUBUS is not INCUBUS WITHOUT ALEX (DIRK). the band seems like they are tryin to "DIG" up their past, but fails tremendously. It doesnt make sense to me why they decided to use the same producer as ACLOTM, it says a lot about the band and where they are goin....down the drain or as I have been saying... already flushed. this will be their last album before a hiatus will be in check*

PS. EARTH TO BELLA part 1 & deuce BLOW. there are 3 songs i like-which still wouldnt make the top 20 Incubus songs.
give it a 4 for EFFORT(less)

[luca455]

The greatest album at the moment...isn't true???!!

[WhoLikesCheese?]

Chris Kilmore did not do much DJing on this record, as they no longer really need turntables on their new material aside from samples (strings, atmospheric elements) while playing live. Instead, Kilmore branched out, playing instruments such as piano, mellotron, synth, marxophone, etc. Check out the Anna Molly video in the first ten seconds to see him in action. I think it's a good move for him.

I was scrolling through all the replies to see if anyone mentions the fact that Kilmore learned a plethora of instruments before recording this album, so kudos to you for pointing it out. When comparing Incubus' last few albums to the first few, it's important to note that the rhythm section has changed significantly. Yes, Jose is still laying out his interesting time-signatures, but Ben and Kilmore have very different styles from Dirk and whatever the former DJ's name is. Kilmore has always been there to add atmospheric elements, never to be the mainstay of any song. On Light Grenades he does so as always, but this time with more live instruments than samples.

Steve, I think your review made some really key points and was well-written.

[deecie.]

Great review, but I actually got into Incubus with Crow, so it has a special place in my heart. Quicksand and AKTSUO always givse me chills when i start listening to it!

and jeez. if somebody brings up "dirk v ben" again, i'm going to flip out. Get this....DIRK ISN'T COMING BACK! Can we all just get over that and move on? Yes he was a great bassist, blah blah, but get over it. Ben is an amazing basisst, who was obviously better for the band, seeing as how they aren't in therapy or constantly tense.

But ANYWAY;

when LG came out, I wasn't a big fan. But as I'm constantly listening to it, it's getting better and better :-)

[cereal4life]

What an emo grenade on the cover art. Looks like Incubus have jumped on the emo-bandwagon too. Emos.

[Rubbersoul87]

One of my favorite bands. A great one fo sure.

[batmannj]

I love this band, still going strong and one of my favorites. I am glad that Steve reviewed this one.

[crf1895]

8.5 for vocals? oh well... absolutely love this record, my favorite from them but haven't checked morning view yet.

[darbz89]

I hate to use this cliche, but Light Grenades was always the next logical step on from ACLOTM. It's not the best album of their's but it's still a mighty fine record. If Not Now, When? also follows on really well from this one. I cannot even begin to imagine what the next offering is going to be like, but surely I can't be the only one that's excited...