I’m taking a break from the scheduled programming, as today sees the release of the band’s latest, Trust Fall Side B. The companion piece to 2015’s Side A, I had been under the impression that Side B morphed into 8 as the amount of songs stacked up, so it’s nice that they’re honouring the original with a true follow-up. Equally, I’m really pleased to see Incubus getting back into a flow of more regular releases. It feels as though there’s a genuine excitement between the guys these days which is something to be really thankful for after all this time. Anywho, I’ve just had my first listen so without further ado I’m going to jump straight in with my initial impressions. Buckle up.

Karma, Come Back

The first track enters moodily – the groove doesn’t ambush you, for now it just prowls, biding its time. The chorus is understated, but it’s catchy. In fact, all of the melodies are really strong and Brandon sounds great in his delivery. There’s lots of nice musical touches woven in, Ben and Mike sound like they’re having a lot of fun together. In the bridge the riffs finally go for the kill, the feathers fly, and it’s over as quickly as it came. The dust settles as Brandon emerges with a third verse – a really beautiful moment of peace and poise. Another chorus and some more big riffs round things out. I didn’t expect such a slow-burner for an intro track, but it’s effective and memorable. If Karma ain’t coming back after this, I’m not sure she was ever gonna come.

 

Our Love

So, it’s not true to say this is a first impression because Our Love has been out for a while now. That being said, I previously couldn’t imagine it as anything other than an opener. It works really well as a second track though, maintaining all the energy that Karma had worked to build. It’s another earworm (I’ve had it going through my head on and off for the last fortnight), and taps into some classic pop sensibilities, not least of all with the V-IV-I progression of the chorus, comfortable and familiar like the path leading to your front door. The switch up to the acoustic-led bridge is really well done, a welcome curveball. Ben’s melodic bass in this section sounds like something he would have played on Crow, which is always welcome in my books. The outro simmers, ending abruptly just as you feel it’s about to go further. The whole song is concise, it does what it needs to do well, and refuses to outstay it’s welcome.

 

Into The Summer

Having had this song around since last summer, it hardly feels new at this point. I was almost surprised to see it on this EP in fact, it suited its temporary status as a standalone. But I’m quite happy to see it here. In fact it’s my favourite thing the band has done in quite a long while. Not a small nod to Duran Duran, it’s a love letter to 80’s summer anthems. Ben sounds absolutely fantastic. The synths in the second verse can get it. The chorus is unabashedly nostalgic, all neon pinks and sand between the toes. The bridge kicks my ass every single time. The way it morphs and modulates is sensational. It isn’t ostentatious, but it demonstrates the band at their best.

 

On Without Me

This one took me on some turns I didn’t expect. The intro leads you to thinking the song is going to be an all-out ripper, but pulls back at the last second into a verse that sounds like it could belong on If Not Now, When? The chorus is anthemic and gives Brandon a chance to soar. The mid-section of the song goes on a bit of a journey, through synths, surprising chord changes, big guitar riffs. The song ends with a refrain of “I used to be a giver, but now I only wanna give up” – a despondent lyric but nevertheless a musically satisfying conclusion to the track.

 

Paper Cuts

A simple, controlled piano ballad. Pianos aren’t entirely unfamiliar territory to Incubus, but this is more akin in its starkness to something like Mexico as opposed to Here In My Room or Promises, Promises. The production on Brandon’s voice works nicely, providing an accessible warmth. It’s an interesting story being told, the chorus speaking of writing to someone without ever intending for them to read. Like a paper cut, the song is short, sharp and neat.

 

 

I’ll always look forward to new releases from Incubus. Upon first listen Trust Fall Side B takes the sense of fun found on 8 and moves it into fresh places. It’s so good to hear the band continuing to push themselves and take risks – risks that by all accounts seem to pay off. If I’m being honest the back half didn’t grab me as strongly as the front, but on the whole I consider it a strong first impression and I’m excited to sit with it over the coming weeks. I’m also interested to place it next to Side A to hear how the two pieces work together – perhaps that will be a future post.

As always, I want to hear your thoughts as well! Let me know what you make of the EP, either here or on twitter at @incubusblog.

 

Until next time…