INCUBUS
Morning View (Epic/Immortal)
Reviewed by Melanie Campbell

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Speaking of metal (and we were), here's some music we've dubbed "art rock for metalheads." Morning View is a big surprise, if for no other reason that it may be the first heavy rock record in ages to feature a real live string section. And we can probably safely assume that this is the first heavy rock record ever to feature a didgeridoo (a bamboo instrument). But before you freak out and think that Incubus has gone aboriginal-tribe-music on everybody, relax-they also have plenty of DJ-scratch action and heavy-duty power-chords in the mix. This is a release rich in musical textures, almost evoking the variety of Revolver-era Beatles, right down to the thoughtful lyrical introspection that we've come to expect from an Incubus release. Don't worry, though, it's not all trippy musical dreamscapes. There's plenty of hard-edged pop sensibility to "Nice To Know You" and "Wish You Were Here"-not so pop that it wimps out, but not so heavy that it's overwhelming, either. These guys are still rockin' their asses off, they're merely taking heavy rock in a different direction while they're doing it. And damned if they don't do a half-bad job at it, either. Essential listening...

© 2001 - Melanie Campbell