Alt-Jam Band Incubus Solidify 90’s Music Scene Is Still King Packing Allstate Arena

Aug 27, 2024 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0

By Christopher David

In what seems to be a continuing anniversary celebration for all things ‘90s over the last few years (and I’m not complaining!), California alt-jam band Incubus brought their tour highlighting 1999 album Morning View to the Allstate Arena, and it was proof that love for all things in the alt-rock ’90s scene can sell a show to the rafters.

“Wow, you guys,” vocalist Brandon Boyd commented at one point in reference to the audience’s roar, beaming from ear to ear as the band launched into “Wish You Were Here” from Morning View. The album was played in running order, and Boyd had the crowd in the palm of his hand from the get-go, along with drummer Jose Pasillas, guitarist Mike Einziger, DJ Chris Kilmore, and new bassist Nicole Row. Just two shows into the American leg of the Morning View tour, the band was already deep in a groove with the material, including a blistering version of “Circles” complete with an epic laser show and a powerful acoustic version of “Blood on the Ground” that saw the whole band perched on the drum riser (Pasilla’s drum kit is worth mentioning on its own, fully plated in gold chrome and truly a sight to behold).

“Is it bad that I have to look at the setlist to remember what’s next, after all these years?” Boyd remarked at one point, though it was clearly in jest; the singer’s stage presence is, as it always was, effortlessly powerful, and his voice has never sounded better, carrying an audience singalong of the sweeping chorus to “Warning” and show closer “Drive.”

New York prog/space-rock quartet Coheed and Cambria, known for their deeply conceptual albums, opened the night with a technically proficient set of anthemic rock that saw guitarist/vocalist Claudio Sanchez owning the stage and hyping the crowd into a frenzy.

Click for photos of Coheed and Cambria