Incubus Play It Too Safe on ‘8’

Stephanie Hernandez

Incubus rose out of the eclectic soundscape of the 90s to bring voice and validity to adolescent angst and confusion. With a penchant for funk-infused bass lines and nu-metal decibel levels, this band of outsiders has never been easy to classify. Blending everything from EDM, punk, rock and hip hop, Incubus’ ability to bring all these genres together in new forms has always been their saving grace. Returning from a six year hiatus, their latest album “8” shows off a group that is clearly more consistent and focused but not as fun as they once were. The rhetoric of these former nonconformists is a bit stale here. Their typically spirited riffs and punchy, defiant lyrics are few and far between; the once dangerous boys next door have grown up but haven’t changed the conversation. Sacrificing risk for consistency, we are missing the danger on “8.”

For a group known for their unpredictability, “8” sounds surprisingly predictable. Proving youth is wasted on the young, this set of grown-up musicians were unable to conjure up that ferocious and defiant spirit they once embodied. Opening with the aptly-titled “No Fun,” the lack of an especially catchy hook doesn’t bode well for getting any new fans sucked in. Even Skrillex’s high energy level production couldn’t save this track from inevitable banality. “Nimble Bastard” does raise spirits a bit, but this unremarkable alt-rock single doesn’t have the bite we have come to expect from the SoCal rockers. The album’s one instrumental track “Make No Sound in the Digital Forest” stands as its best, but is too little too late coming in 10th in an 11-track record. Though there are some shining moments scattered throughout – like on the anthemic “Undefeated” – it is clear lead guitarist Michael Einziger’s talent for creating well-curated riffs has not been completely depleted. But, then again, it becomes clear that the je nais sai qoi that made them a cult favorite band two decades ago is hard to find in this current formation. That being said, “8” is not a difficult listen. The record flows well; the sound is focused and consistent so much so that it leaves us longing for some of their signature chaos.

It is obvious Incubus has grown up. But the impact of their sound has faded away; their nostalgic take on adolescence feels a bit tired twenty years later. There are only so many ways one can pine for the past before it gets exhausting. Following a six-year hiatus, one would think these boys would be itching to get into the studio to create something much more compelling. Instead, Incubus traded in their experimental roots for something much more commercially appealing. With nothing that sounds like that quintessential group we all fell in love with, “8” falls short in preserving the group’s eclectic wild side. At their best, Incubus was able to take the often ignored issues of suburban teens and give them some clout with a dynamic soundtrack. Here the production has improved, the musicianship streamlined, but the fire has died down. “8” is by far not Incubus’ worst venture, but after such a long history of causing a stir, this record barely makes a whimper.

“8” is available on Apple Music April 21.