S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

AMG Review of S.C.I.E.N.C.E.

David Thomas
All Music Guide

While the press and critics jumped over the sounds of Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and Limp Bizkit, Incubus quietly toured in support of S.C.I.E.N.C.E., their first major-label LP. Incubus' hip-hop influences come from their DJ and bassist instead of their singer. Brandon Boyd's vocals hit every range from quiet whispers to funk-styled rants to hard rock screams. He also adds percussion with a bongo on a few songs (and in concert its a strange sight for such a heavy band). Boyd's demeanor in concert and record is laid back and free flowing. There's no anger surrounding his lyrics or his singing. "New Skin" adds a lot of funk to modern heavy metal while "Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song)" is a spacy dance ballad. The numerous styles on the album don't always blend perfectly, but they create a solid sound that defines the band. Incubus also manages to make their songs upbeat and danceable as well as tunes to headbang to. An admirable feat in a genre that tends to reward decibel levels instead of quality.