Incubus at the O2 Arena
Californian rock group Incubus annihilate the O2, playing Morning View in its entirety, alongside beloved hits, in a much-anticipated and special tour to many.
As lead singer Brandon Boyd and co enter the stage, to unsurprising raucous cheers, they quickly groove their way into Nice to Know You, the introduction a psychedelic soundscape, soon changing trajectory into hardier rock. Early absolute classic Wish You Were Here is a summery hit, with Chris Kilmore on turntables, producing some of their most recognised signature sounds. Waves of light reflect onto the wall during Just a Phase, with its alien and almost abstract intro, Boyd’s singing perfectly complementing the track; similarly for 11am, the Indian – sounding vocals produce a spine-tingling sensation. Boyd and gang keep the chatter to a minimum, asking the typical questions to their London audience, and swiftly get into the acoustic version of Blood on the Ground, which is akin to an intimate jamming session, but live for thousands to see. Another blissful, balmy tune, Echo subtly encapsulates Incubus’s cult status; these softly lilting melodies are the highlights in tonight’s performance. As the beams gradually split and the lasers radiate iridescently, you are taken in by the whole show and how well all the elements coalesce.
Loud and fast bursts of sound announce Have You Ever, eclectic lights adding to the exhilarating momentum, guitars and drums all enmeshed simultaneously, while Are You In is a mellow, catchy tune, with a surprise rendition of Phil Collins’s In the Air Tonight. The gifts continue, this time Boyd and Mike Einziger play Rihanna’s Umbrella, before launching into the thrashing Under My Umbrella. Gently swaying into Aqueous Transmission, this is a masterclass in chill-out music; Einziger plays the pipa, a four-string Chinese lute, stunning in its execution. There is no encore, but that is alright, as the audience seem content with the experience, the final song, the band’s highest charting single, Drive.
Although there are times when the concert gets incredibly loud, with moments of screechiness where protective ear gear is recommended, the band is on top form.
A notable trip down memory lane, Incubus give fans what they want. It is evident the band mean a lot to many people; one fan is seen shedding tears as the cameras span over everyone, whilst another holds a sign that reads, “Thank you for creating the soundtrack to my life,” a sentiment that is surely felt by many.
Selina Begum
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:
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