Incubus
8
Island Records
2017
It’s already been 6 years since the last studio full-length album by Incubus. It’s the first time their fans have waited so long for a new album, but all that one can ask is if it was worth waiting for. By the way, the album title “8” suggests that this is the band’s eighth full-length album.
Musically, “8” blends pop-rock, alternative, electro & new wave pop music… ending up sounding like a bland wannabe “radio-friendly” album that tries too hard to sound exciting. It misses the hooks badly and the musicianship is just OK.
The album was firstly produced by the famed producer Dave Sardy (Slayer, System Of a Down, Helmet, Jet, etc.), but later it was re-produced and mixed by the American electronic dance music producer, DJ, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Skrillex, who happens to be a close friend of the band too. The sound is loud (too loud I must say) and I suspect that this is due to the loud mastering. The vocals are too upfront in the mix as well.
In good conscience, there’s not a single “hit” here and the final outcome is insipid & tedious. Better be more focused next time guys…
Musically, “8” blends pop-rock, alternative, electro & new wave pop music… ending up sounding like a bland wannabe “radio-friendly” album that tries too hard to sound exciting. It misses the hooks badly and the musicianship is just OK.
The album was firstly produced by the famed producer Dave Sardy (Slayer, System Of a Down, Helmet, Jet, etc.), but later it was re-produced and mixed by the American electronic dance music producer, DJ, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Skrillex, who happens to be a close friend of the band too. The sound is loud (too loud I must say) and I suspect that this is due to the loud mastering. The vocals are too upfront in the mix as well.
In good conscience, there’s not a single “hit” here and the final outcome is insipid & tedious. Better be more focused next time guys…