Wyvern

If Not Now, When?

I finally got my hands on the new Incubus album. Sadly, I am terribly disappointed after their last studio album.



I think it was their “Drive” that really put them on the map. I’m not sure. For me, it was when their album “Morning View” was released. “Nice to Know You” was something that got my attention. Though, the track that really won me over was “I Wish You Were Here”, I guess it was the opening lines... the first verse itself:

I dig my toes into the sand
The ocean looks like a thousand diamonds

strewn across a blue blanket

I lean against the wind

pretending I am weightless

and in this moment I am happy, happy...

It paints the perfect picture, I can imagine it all as the song progresses. The lyrics of most of their songs are deep and the composition of their music is not simple either.

I saw them live bout 3-4 years ago. Really have to thank Erika for that. She bought my ticket without even me being sure whether I was going to be able to make it. All she asked was for me to decide a few days before the concert. It was an experience. A brilliant one! They were promoting their new album “Light Grenades” [love the tracks – Dig, Love Hurts, Oil & Water]. I thought this album was much better than “A crow left of the Murder...” I did really enjoy the track “Megalomaniac” but somehow didn’t enjoy the rest of it that much. Similar to their new album. The first 2 times, I was just disappointed. I was hoping something similar to Light Grenades or Morning View. Then the other night, on the way home – I decide to give it one more try. Not compare it to any of their previous albums or their hits. Just listen with an open mind. I found my new favourite: Promises, Promises. Yes, musically – they have taken a diff path. With the lyrics, this song is flawless:

I'm only 23 for another hour, give or take

I'm a fan of yours and I need a good mistake

I'm not a sinner or preacher, all I have is slight of hand

I do magic tricks for all the boys in the band

Baby could I be the rabbit in your hat?

I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat

I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises


I've never done this before, promises, promises
But I'm enjoying the illusion and the things my body says
Now you see me, now you don't, oh how well you disappear
What are you running from and may I interfere?


Baby could I be the rabbit in your hat?
I'd swing if you'd hand me, hand me the bat


I'm on the road of least resistance
I'd rather give up than give in to this
So promise me only one thing, would you?
Just don't ever make me promises
No promises


On a recent interview, Brandon explained the track is about a boy & girl... the girl has built up this armour around her, he’s used metaphors like Magic to explain that. Furthermore, if the boy does get through – she can’t recognize if it is the real thing – so she asks him one thing: “Just don't ever make me promises, No promises”.


My favourite line is “Baby could I be the rabbit in your hat?”. The boy just wants to be a part of the act, if not anything else.


I think this track would definitely be my favourite on this album...

Definitely worth buying this album. [though i miss the turntable on this album]

The other tracks to look out for:

If Not Now, When?

Isadore

Adolescents

The Original

Dig (live) – I loved this track on Light Grenades... so maybe a bit partial here