How Canadians rockers Incura ever got on Inside Out Records,
I'll never know. Maybe it's simply Inside Out's affiliation with Century Media.
I can't be sure. Somehow, though, these rockers got on a progressive label,
which is rather misleading. Incura, to be sure, is not progressive. They are
nothing more than hard, modern rock with some small twists and nods to Muse.
That's it! So, the confusion aside, is this re-issue of Incura's debut album any
good?
I can't speak for everyone. I can only give my opinion.
Therefore, I have to say that I find this album irritating, juvenile, and tired.
I had heard great things about this self-titled album, to the point where I
thought I was going to be amazed. Instead, Incura is nothing more than a
dime-a-dozen emo wannabe band. Their basic sound consists of whiny vocals,
heavier distorted guitars that sometimes segue into more finger-licious
displays, and mediocre drums and bass that are both buried in the mix. To this,
they add some unremarkable piano passages and some strings here and there.
It's all very pop-ish in the worst sense of the word. In fact, I could
definitely hear some of these songs on American Idol or something.
One of the main problems is the vocalist Kyle Gruninger. Damn,
is he annoying. His whiny, nasally vocals lack any class, skill, or artistry.
They're like the million emo bands that came and went a decade ago, only
possibly worse. Honestly, I could barely get through the album because of how
annoying he is. However, the lyrics are no better. They're your basic lovesick
frivolities, spiteful rants, and shallow philosophies. Adults need not apply.
Those aren't my only problems, though. I can deal with an
annoying vocalist or with crappy lyrics. However, the music is simply
uninspired. I literally laughed aloud when I read on Incura's website that they
consider their music unclassifiable. Hah! They go on and on about how complex
and eclectic their music is supposed to be, but the album features almost none
of it. Here and there, such as the very beginning of "Get the Gun", I had
hope. Yet, time and again, the album let me down with unimaginative solos, short
and boring instrumentals, and basically zero melody. They also claim to be
influenced by the theater. I can hear it sometimes, such as on "Who You Are",
but it's not very captivating as it soon devolves into another mess of normal.
All in all, this is a tough album to get through for me. All
the songs sound the same, and all the songs end up reverting to the same format.
If you want to claim the progressive label, please deliver. Incura is not
progressive, no matter how much they throw that word on their advertisements. If
you happen to like boy bands or emo rock, then this album might jive with you.
However, if you are looking for meaty music or even just beautiful music; stay
far, far away from Incura's debut.
