Incubus News

Incubus, "Light Grenades" (Epic): Incubus has grown into that rarest of modern rock bands — one that continues to challenge themselves and evolve without sacrificing massive appeal.

Their sixth studio outing, "Light Grenades," is loaded with stylish, driving rock that guarantees another multiplatinum seller. This is easily their finest, most diverse and cohesive work to date.

Crafted over the course of a year — the band typically churns out records in a matter of months — each song has the feel of lengthy nurturing and fulfills the promise of previous hits like "Drive" and "Wish You Were Here."

Brandon Boyd's vocals are reflective and poetic. His smooth voice floats over the lighter tracks — "Earth to Bella Pts. 1 & 2," "Paper Shoes" — while he deftly powers the heavier songs — "Light Grenades," "Rogues."

Mike Einzinger turns in an amazing batch of guitar work, grabbing your attention without trying to do too much. Ben Kenney (bass) and Jose Pasillas (drums) provide loose, atmospheric rhythm, and DJ Chris Kilmore adds subtle electronic flourish.

First single "Anna Molly" laments Boyd's ideal woman — whom he thinks doesn't exist. "Dig" is a lush piece of acoustic beauty and one of the best songs they've ever recorded. "Oil and Water" and "Kiss to Send Us Off" showcase their overtly catchy soft-to-loud dynamics.

On the versatile "Diamonds and Coal," you'll hear what may be the perfect line to sum up five guys that started out with a few rough edges and grew into true artists: "Give us time to shine, even diamonds start as coal."