Description
Incubus – 8 – Vinyl Record
Released in April 2017, 8 is the eighth studio album by Incubus and one of the most introspective entries in their catalog. Coming six years after If Not Now, When?, the record arrived at a point where the band had long since moved beyond their late-’90s nu-metal roots and into a more refined, alternative-rock identity. Rather than revisiting their earlier aggression, 8 leans into emotional directness, melodic clarity, and a darker, more contemplative atmosphere.
Produced by Skrillex (Sonny Moore), a somewhat unexpected collaborator, the album carries a modern edge without fully abandoning Incubus’ organic band chemistry. Skrillex’s involvement is subtle rather than overwhelming—he contributes to texture and sonic polish rather than electronic dominance. The result is a record that sounds contemporary but still distinctly Incubus: layered guitars, dynamic builds, and Brandon Boyd’s expressive vocals at the forefront.
The lead single, “Nimble Bastard,” reintroduces a sharper, more urgent sound. Built around a tense, churning riff and explosive chorus, it recalls the band’s earlier intensity while retaining the melodic sophistication they developed in the 2000s. The track balances aggression and precision, suggesting that Incubus can still harness energy without reverting to their rap-rock beginnings.
Elsewhere, 8 explores moodier territory. “State of the Art” reflects on technological overload and societal disconnection, pairing pointed lyrics with a driving rhythm section. The song’s tight arrangement underscores the band’s ability to blend social commentary with accessible hooks. Meanwhile, “Loneliest” and “When I Became a Man” reveal a more vulnerable side—meditations on relationships, aging, and personal growth delivered with emotional restraint.
One of the album’s most striking tracks is “Glitterbomb,” which builds from atmospheric tension into a cathartic release. Boyd’s vocal performance here is particularly dynamic, moving from hushed introspection to soaring intensity. The song exemplifies the album’s central strength: gradual escalation rather than immediate impact.
8 is concerned with maturity and self-examination. The band members, now well into adulthood, write from a place of reflection rather than youthful rebellion. Themes of technological anxiety, emotional honesty, and existential uncertainty run throughout. There’s less of the playful eccentricity that characterized early Incubus and more direct emotional engagement.
Guitarist Mike Einziger continues to provide textured, layered arrangements, favoring atmosphere over riff dominance. The rhythm section—Jose Pasillas on drums and Ben Kenney on bass—grounds the songs with steady propulsion, often allowing space for Boyd’s melodies to unfold.
In the broader context of Incubus’ career, 8 doesn’t radically reinvent their sound, but it consolidates their post-nu-metal evolution. It feels like a band comfortable in its identity, exploring contemporary themes without chasing trends. While it may not have the immediate cultural impact of Make Yourself or Morning View, it stands as a thoughtful and cohesive late-career statement.
8 is about recalibration—balancing the urgency of youth with the perspective of experience. It’s introspective, occasionally brooding, but anchored by strong songwriting and polished execution. For long-time fans, it reinforces Incubus’ adaptability; for newer listeners, it presents a band still evolving, still searching, and still capable of crafting emotionally resonant alternative rock.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
No Fun
Nimble Bastard
State Of The Art
Glitterbomb
Undefeated
Loneliest
When I Became A Man
Familiar Faces
Love In A Time Of Surveillance
Make No Sound In The Digital Forest
Throw Out The Map
