Incubus at the Royal Albert Hall

As the last Thursday of the month drew to a close, California-based rock band Incubus rocked out the first of two nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Having been on the music scene since the 90s, captivating the alternative rock scene well into the new millennium, this one-of-a-kind alt-metal-esque band still manages to transfix fans today. 

Through smoke, lasers and technicolour lights, the band opened their show with Nice to Know You, off fourth studio album Morning View, which was released in 2001. They truly had the whole of the venue transfixed and grooving through the night amid the hypnotic mix of the turntable, groove of the bass and charisma-embodied vocals that give Incubus their unique sound, 

The vast spectrum of genres explored gave way to a variety of vibes and kept the crowd on their feet, yearning for more. The group continuously brought out their hits, playing songs such as Wish You Were Here (2001), Anna Molly (2006), and Pardon Me (1999). Adding to the excitement, during Are You In? lead singer Brandon Boyd threw in a snippet of the 1971 hit, Riders on The Storm (originally by The Doors), which was a truly groovy sentiment. Their endlessly appealing tunes were accompanied by entrancing lighting and trippy visuals that took this gig to new heights.

As the performance came to an end, the band finished off by playing their award-winning hit, Drive from 1999 album Make Yourself – the perfect song to send off their first of two nights in London. There wasn’t a soul in the room who wasn’t on their feet singing and swaying along to the quintessentially 90s alt-rock tune. This was an evening of authentically dreamy and melodic performances that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. 

Kirst Hubbard
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Incubus’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Wish You Were Here here: