Disco de Incubus: “When Incubus Attacks, Vol. 1 [EP]”

For a band that usually flaunts the clean, baritone vocals of Brandon Boyd, "When Incubus Attacks" is not something many Incubus fans thought would happen. But after the success of the more acoustic-based songs on "Make Yourself," I suppose the band thought some credit was due to ever-improving guitarist Michael Einsiger. The obvious point, already stated by many reviewers here is the limited supply of the mini-album. So if you enjoy the new Incubus sound and like raw, acoustic music pick one up while they're available.

Two FANTASTIC versions of "Pardon Me" are available here, one completely acoustic and one live, electric with full band. The acoustic version shows the guts of the song and the skills of Einsiger; he plays many bluesy chords, augmented chords, and some that sound almost made-up. Very artsy. "Stellar" also sounds quite amazing acoustic, a nice change of pace from the grungier versions most people heard on the radio. An unreleased, full-band song "Crowded Elevator" may be the real incentive to buy for many die-hard incubators. I was a little bit upset that it was not included on "Morning View" released earlier this year. There is also a live version of "Favorite Things" for those who liked the "SCIENCE" album. Some real good stuff here.

While this EP is not essential to everyone's CD collection, it is a nice addition. All Incubus fans will know of these songs as soon as they read the track listing, but the songs have all been "remixed", if you will, on performed live. The live versions of "Favorite Things" and "Pardon Me" are spectacular, and the acoustic versions also show Incubus' musical depth. There is another track on this EP called "Crowded Elevator", which was also on the "Scream 3" soundtrack. I don't care much for this song, and it is one of the reasons that this collection didn't get five stars and only four. A run-down of the six track on a scale of one to five... 1. Pardon Me Acoustic- You have probably heard this song on your local rock radio station, but this song sounds a little bit weird with its slowed-down tempo, but this song is good in its own behalf (4.5/5) 2. Stellar Acoustic- The best acoustic version on this EP, this song was screaming to have an acoustic version done to it. The slow tempo and great lyrics make this song a winner (5/5) 3. Make Yourself Acoustic- Cool song, but wasn't really made to be put into acoustic format. As with "Pardon Me", it sounds funny without the usual heavier tone. The song is good, but not perfect (4/5) 4. Crowded Elevator- Like I said before, this song was on the "Scream 3" soundtrack, and I don't care for it much. For people who haven't heard it, it has a very funky feel, and it sounds like any other Incubus song (2.5/5) 5. Favorite Things Live-I loved this song on S.C.I.E.N.C.E., and I love it again on "When Incubus Attacks Vol. 1". This song gives me chills when I hear it and it was played practically perfectly (4.5/5) 6. Pardon Me Live-Perfect. Just perfect. I love this song, and it sounds even cooler played live (5/5) Overall, this album is a worthy addition to your collection, but since bigger Incubus fans may already know these songs by heart, it may not be essential to their collection.

Incubus has attacked on this six song E.P., complete with a little bonus track at the end of the sixth song. If you're looking to get a feel for just how skilled the musicians in Incubus are, pick up this CD. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. The first three tracks are acoustic renditions of some of the best songs off of their album Make Yourself, which if you don't have that yet, you should definitely pick up as well. It takes a lot of talent to pull off playing acoustic and making it sound good, and they've done it! And if you're looking for a taste of the energy Incubus exudes when they're on stage the last two live tracks do just that. You can hear the energy they're giving the crowd and the energy the crowd is givcing right back! There's nothing like Incubus live, I can't wait to see them again! But in the meantime, get this E.P. for just a little taste!

Ok I didnt even understand this cd at first. But I think its worth getting for the hidden track alone. It's titled "Smoking the Herb Again", many ppl think it's not even Incubus singing the song, and it doesnt help that they deny it. But they also make up a million differant stories about Chuck. But alas it is Incubus singing the song (hi Jose and Kilmores voices are very distinct). I love Live Versions of ANY song. And Crowded Elevators is an ok song I guess. I think that only hard-core incubus fans should get this cd. If you are just starting out, start with Make Yourself.

Seeing as this is an Incubus CD, of course I love it. But I love this for another reason. The acoustic versions of Pardon Me, Stellar, and Make Yourself are atounding. These versions show the range of Brandon Boyd's voice if you didn't already know. Mike shows how amazing he is at the guitar, he mixes up Pardon Me a lot, and Stellar is almost as good as the original. The live tracks prove that Incubus sound just as good as any studio recording. Plus the fact that Pardon Me and Favorite Things are two of my favorite songs by them doesn't hurt either. They sound as if they were recorded during the Sno Core tour with System of a Down. This also contains the hidden track Smoking The Herb Again. It's a very trippy song with a pretty good beat, well worth a listen.

On to Crowded Elevator. This song is off of the Scream 3 soundtrack and it's also one of the most experimental tracks they have done. The lyrics are so strange that you can't help but think they're brilliant, the guitar work is perfect, the drumming is chaotic, the bass is great, and the turntables couldn't be better. I am completely infatuated with this song, this song alone is worth the price (which isn't bad at all).

The best songs are Pardon Me (both versions), Stellar, and Crowded Elevator. Like I said though, every song is a personal favorite and as any Incubus fan will tell you, is worth the money.