During Incubus’s seven-year stretch apart, the members charted paths that quietly reshaped the band’s voice. Drummer Jose Pasillas welcomed fatherhood and discovered new rhythms in time itself, while lead singer Brandon Boyd issued a solo project that stretched his vocal approach and phrasing. Guitarist Michael Einziger pursued studies at the intersection of music and science, and the group briefly revisited their history with a Greatest Hits collection that bridged their harder edges with a broader, more reflective present. When they returned, the band sounded more composed, and their new material carried the mark of those life experiences without losing the core Incubus edge. Light Grenades, released in 2006, signaled a deliberate shift from the heavier, grunge-influenced past toward a cleaner, more melodic form of alt rock, while IF NOT NOW, WHEN? grows from that foundation into a longer, more elaborate statement. The seven-year pause appears to have tempered their approach, refined their writing, and produced a batch of songs that feel both confident and true to their lineage.
The electro-jazz undercurrent that has threaded through much of their later work remains prominent, especially in the way basslines and drum patterns lock into a steady, sly groove that drives the record forward. On tracks like Thieves, the dynamics tighten and release with surgical precision, giving a cinematic feel to the listening experience. Layered keyboards and guitar textures drift in and out, providing color without crowding the lead melodies. Boyd’s voice, now even more expressive and disciplined, anchors every track with clarity and emotional intensity. Across IF NOT NOW, WHEN? the band demonstrates growth in technique and arrangement while preserving a recognizable Incubus DNA that longtime fans will hear in every chorus and bridge.
Yes, the change in image and presentation is noticeable—Boyd’s moustache became one of those visual jokes fans mention with a grin—but IF NOT NOW, WHEN? was worth the wait. The album takes bold chances, balancing intimate, contemplative moments with expansive, anthemic passages. Production favors space as much as density, allowing quiet guitar textures and shimmering keys to converse with punchy percussion. The result is a collection of songs that reward repeat listening, inviting listeners to explore themes of timing, choice, and human connection through a refined musical lens. The arc feels earned, shaped by lived experiences and a renewed sense of purpose, and it lands with a confidence that pleases both old followers and new listeners alike.
BEST OF THE ALBUM Isadore Defiance Switchblade Thieves Adolescents