Calculated gamble from accomplished Californians. 

The seventh studio release from Incubus is surely the riskiest yet from the multi-platinum selling band. Taking a more mellow approach, there is always the danger of alienating fans with such a radical change of sound. However, when the finished body of work is as polished and well-crafted as this is, it is hard to find too many complaints.

Certain elements of the album aren’t a complete departure from Incubus’ earlier work. For example, Brandon Boyd’s vocals hold the same clarity that they’ve always had, even if the instruments behind his voice are much more toned down than in the past. Anyone who heard ‘Adolescents’, the first track to be released from the album, may question what all this fuss is about. The song itself would comfortably slot into any previous Incubus album without sounding too out of place. The difference only becomes clear when consuming the entire album in one listening. Straight from the title track that kicks off proceedings, the foundations are laid down for what is a consistently more chilled and deliberate album than any of its predecessors.

‘Promises, Promises’ is a much better single than ‘Adolescents’, showcasing early on how at ease the band are with their new direction. There is nothing contrived about the sound, with mid-album tracks ‘Isadore’ and ‘The Original’ sounding so natural.

Lyrically, Boyd’s use of 1^st person results in a very intimate feel to the record, with many of the songs sounding like diary entries at times. This, coupled with the frontman’s obvious expertise in writing ensures that the large majority of tracks are delivered with a real feeling, so that very little of the album feels throwaway or disposable in any way. Incidentally, the weaker tracks such as ‘Defiance’ and ‘Switchblade’ fall towards the end of the record. If anything, this is the only stage of ‘If Not Now, When?’ which cries out for a ‘Wish You Were Here’ or ‘Anna Molly’ moment from the band’s back catalogue.

Pining for Incubus to revert back to their own style is something that you won’t do often when listening to their latest offering though. The album requires listeners to be patient, as there are very few instant classics the first time you hear it. However, repeated listens are the key, as tracks such as ‘Friends and Lovers’ emerge from the woodwork, growing on the listener.

‘If Not Now, When?’ is a very rewarding record, and one which deserved to be heard rather than dismissed instantly by those who prefer their music more immediate and direct. It was a brave move for Incubus to head down a different route, but it is very refreshing to see such a well-known band refusing to play it safe after 20 years in the industry.

7/10