Crossover

Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. $$$$ out of $$$$$

Just like their first single "Redefine" suggests that's what Incubus is all about. If you can imagine another Mr. Bungle with a little more comprehensible lyrics and add in a DJ than you have Incubus. They are fronted by the wonderfully dynamic singer/percussionist Brandon Boyd who helps to fuse metal with rap and '70's era funk. Alex Katunich adds his incredible bass licks to DJ Lyfe's scratching and sampling. Although, many people will jump the gun and automatically assume this band is just a wanna-be Faith No More/Mr. Bungle, they wouldn't be paying attention to the wonderous intelligent lyrics and thunderous beats brought on by DJ Lyfe. What really surprises me about the album is the very fusion of all these styles together and how easily it seems that Incubus pulls it off. In addition to the great music contained within, there's also an added bonus. "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." is an enhanced CD with a game on it; if you win, you win free stuff from Incubus and registers you with them. "New Skin" with its timed scratches, opening percussion, and heavy chorus with melodic vocals shows off the talent and chaos that Incubus truly owns. "Idiot Box" is a song that speaks out against the evils of television and its effect on us all. Then there's "Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song)" which is a great '70s-ish porno song. "A Certain Shade Of Green" is the song that all procrastinaters can relate to with a phat ass bass line. "Calgone" shows their humor telling a story about a guy with the worst luck of all. Although, I doubt any of the guys in Incubus have bad luck seeing as how S.C.I.E.N.C.E. is one of the best albums of '97 period. You WILL hear more about them.

- J-Sin

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