Incubus - Light Grenades Explode Showering The Crowd in Beautiful Sonic Particles
Incubus rock the MEN Arena Manchester, playing a variety of songs from their extensive repertoire. Their performance is energetic, musically majestic and over flowing with creative flair.
Brandon Boyd
The support band take to the stage and the crowd quickly get to their feet as the band propel themselves into their first song. What immediately strikes me is the lead singers (Mathew Irons) incredibly voice which drifts over the heads of the astonished crowd. The sound coming out from these guys is very mature and sophisticated, a heady mix of catchy beats and fluid harmonies certainly set these guys apart from the normal crowd. But of course the audience are here to see Incubus so even though the crowd gave Puggy a warm welcome their unusual exotic blend of music seemed a bit lost here tonight.
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Darkness swoops over the arena like a giant eagle as the atmosphere reaches fever pitch, the fans eyes wide open trembling with excitement. The waiting is over as Incubus stride confidently on stage the crowd explode with deafening cheers, screams and wolf whistles. The haunting echo of “Quicksand” seeps out into the audience like a cool breeze and Brandon’s distinctive vocals resonate off the walls. The crowd watch transfixed motionless like statues as the band lead straight into “A Kiss To Send Us Off” both songs from their latest album “Light Grenades”. The song begins to escalate as Brandon dances around the stage crouching and leaping in the air like a cat. The mosh pit erupts into action like a sea of hyperactive ants flailing arms, elbows and legs meld into one.
Ben Kenney
Incubus have introduced lots of new sounds and instruments on their latest album. The songs are highly crafted, with a deep mature sound. Which the audience are not quite accustomed to yet. Like a new pair of shoes that look fantastic but have yet to be worn in. The first beats are heard of the next song and the crowd instantly know their back on familiar territory as “Nice to know you” is belted out with overwhelming enthusiasm. The bands performance is effortless, they look at ease like they’re abandoning themselves to the sensation of the music. This feeling becomes contagious as its passes onto the audience who also appear to let go of their inhibitions and get lost in the moment. “Hi everybody” Brandon remarks smiling as the crowd cheer back in unison.
Next up is the infectious “Anna Molly”a river of sound comes crashing down over the audience, the song is energetic and faced paced but also emotionally moving with Brandon’s piercing vocals reverberating around the arena. And then its some tasty scratching from Chris as the warbling sounds of “Pistola”are heard and the pogo-ing commences. Brandon squeals his guitar up against the amp almost tipping it over with his eagerness. Incubus excel in making the songs sound fresh and new by improvising and adding their own spontaneous parts to the songs.
Out comes the bongo and the crowd look on with glee, bursting at the seams as “Vitamin” thunders out whipping the mosh pitt into a frenzy. Like a bubbling cauldron a group of fans in the pit furiously run around in a circle exploding into riotous dancing when the chorus kicks in singing back the words to the band. Another free styling interlude as the band prepare for the next song. A sure fire crowd pleaser “Are You In” is followed by a fluid rendition of “Love Hurts” a bitter sweet song which allows Brandon the opportunity to show his vocal range, projecting his voice out across the crowd sending shivers down my spine.
Mike Einziger
The band proceed through a beautiful rendition of “Drive” where Brandon begins to sing unaccompanied then the audience join in, getting out their mobile phones and swaying in time with the music. Mike rocks out taking centre stage nodding and smiling modestly. The band play a mix of songs from their whole back catalogue including “Megalomaniac”, “The Warmth” and “Sick Sad Little World”. But for me it’s the new songs which stand out and hold their heads up high. It’s these songs where you get to ride the rapids of a mix of emotions. The new tracks are exquisitely constructed with refined lyrics and a clarity of song writing that demonstrates the band have evolved and mastered their art taking the songs to another level.
Brandon Boyd
Incubus depart the stage temporarily before returning to a ear splitting clapping, chanting and foot stomping. The body slamming restarts as “Nowhere Fast” begins and steadily builds up into a crescendo and then bursts, spilling over into the enthusiastic audience as full scale anarchy breaks out. But as soon as the beautiful oriental string instruments of “Aqueous Transmission” are heard the crowd are abruptly hushed. The magical sounds of the song are carried like a waterfall meandering in between the grateful congregation. Brandon’s soft velvety voice perfectly interpreting the lyrics with grace and ease. Transfixed faces are lite up by lighters swaying along to the gentle beat and enchanting woodwind instruments. Then its all over as Brandon tip toes off stage accompanied by rapturous applause followed one by one by the rest of the band leaving the hordes of people with the sound of a plague of frogs and insects. With a buzzing in their ears and a fuzzy feeling inside the fans march off home.
All photos by Tash Willcocks
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