Incubus

"A Crow Left of the Murder"

Epic Records

Grade: B+

Incubus has returned to their roots.

The band's album goes back to the heavy metal sound and away from Morning View's pop-rock, light alternative feel.

Brendan O'Brien, producer of the record, helped Incubus reach new heights with their fifth studio album. O'Brien, who has produced for Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen, was instrumental in the band's revival of their heavy-rock sound.

"Megalomaniac," the first single off the disc, gets the ride off to an exciting start.

The combination of Mike Einziger's guitar riffs and Brandon Boyd's anthem-like chorus makes the song a sure success.

"Talk Show on Mute," "Pistola," "Southern Girl" and "Made for TV Movie" really show the power of Boyd's vocals.

Other songs like "A Crow Left of the Murder," "Sick Sad Little World" and "Zee Deveel" are the backbone of the record.

The mean guitar in the title track and the fast-paced bass from newcomer Ben Kenney in "Sick Sad Little World" prove that the band has moved away from the softer sound of its previous album.

While the vocals, guitar solos, heavy bass lines and pounding drums of all the tracks on the album are solid, some of the lyrics are a little weak.

"Beware! Criminal!" is a prime example. The chorus, "You came, you saw, you conquered, everyone," is not very creative and is even borderline cheesy.

"Priceless," the ninth track, is the weakest song on the disc. Boyd seems to be out of breath from screaming the entire four minutes and seven seconds.

While the vocals are inadequate, the guitar solo seems to save the song from its doom.

The 14-track album is like a cold Coke on a hot day to Incubus' fans. It satisfies their musical thirst but leaves them wanting a little bit more, only because it's is so mouth-watering delicious.

-- By Jordan Marshall, Staff Writer