INCUBUS AT THE STONE PONY SUMMER STAGE IN ASBURY PARK
As a devoted metal-head with a taste for the heavier side of music, attending the Incubus concert this past Tuesday at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park was a unique experience that brought together a diverse range of musical styles and energies. With the opening acts of Badflower and Paris Jackson, this night guaranteed an interesting blend of rock, alternative, and metal influences.
The evening kicked off with Paris Jackson, who proved that she's more than just a famous name. Quick side note, I will admit that I had no clue this was The King of Pop’s daughter until minutes into her performance! Her performance displayed an unexpected intensity, channeling a gritty rock vibe (with a taste of grunge) that resonated well with the crowd. While her sound leaned towards alternative rock, her energetic (yet subtle) stage presence and raw energy were enough to grab the crowd’s attention and earn the respect of the die-hard metal fan I am.
Badflower would make their way to the stage, amping up the crowd with their unabashedly loud and in-your-face rock sound. Their hard hitting riffs and emotionally charged lyrics screamed out to the crowd, pulling out more and more energy from the crowd. As the bodies came surfing to the front and fans rocked out in their own styles, it became clear that Badflower was no mere warm-up act They were a force to be reckoned with in their own right, leaving a permanent mark on the night.
Then came the moment we'd all been eagerly waiting for – Incubus took the stage amidst a roar of anticipation. The California rockers wasted no time in launching into a set list that covered the majority of their long career. “Anna Molly”, “Nice to Know You”, and “The Warmth” were shortly followed by some of my all-time favorites, “Make Yourself”, “Pardon Me”, and “Wish You Were Here”. The band's chemistry was intense. Brandon Boyd's compellingly moving vocals soared effortlessly into the crowd while we had the amazing guitar work and bass licks from Mike Einziger and the newly crowned bassist for the band, Nicole Row, carrying the work load from each song. Jose Pasillas continued to prove why he helped originally form Incubus with his groovy slaying style on the drums while Chris Kilmore did his conquering on the keys and turntables.
For a metal-head like myself, Incubus brought a refreshing diversity to the concert. The blend of alternative rock, metal-infused melodies and the manipulation of sounds created between keys and an amazing turntablist kept me engaged from start to finish. The Stone Pony's Summer Stage gives a creative and intimate setting for viewers to see and listen some of their all-time favorite artists. For me, this gives an up close and personal connection with the performers, improving the overall impact of the evening. Incubus, along with the openers Badflower and Paris Jackson, absolutely succeeded in delivering a memorable night of music for this metal head and I can almost guarantee, for all of those in attendance!