[.ca] Fungus Amongus

From Amazon.com:
As Incubus themselves note about Epic's 2000 rerelease of 1996's Fungus Amongus: "The recording's are basically a snapshot of our band, circa 1993-1995. As even the most discriminating ear could deduce, \owe were\c still struggling to find our feet." It's a caveat not really necessary for Incubus fans, of which there are now many, thanks to their diverse, unique, and thoughtful brand of funky, sometimes-acoustic rock, exemplified on 1999's impressive Make Yourself. This early effort, written and recorded when band members were in their teens, smacks heavily of Primus and Faith No More fanaticism, influences which, on later discs, are blended into an evolving signature sound. Songs such as "Speak Free," "Trouble in 421," and the aggressive, linear "The Answer" are decent, but not as heavy, well-written, or thoughtful as the material on Make Yourself. Ultimately, Fungus Amongus is a lightweight, casual, fun, and funky morsel for hardcore fans. --Katherine Turman

amazing.........:
I must say that this cd is an amazing peice of skill. Theres probably about maybe 5 bands out there that play their music with as much skill as incubus shows in this cd. I wouldnt recomend this cd to poser poppy kids who are only in to their more "radio-friendly" music. This cd shows what incubus is really all about. Every single instrument is played with amazing skill, each of them are obviously the best at what they do. I must say that wahat the person said before, and i quote - "Their skills are admittedly great for a bunch of sixteen-year-olds, but that doesn't mean the music is acceptable by any standards." Im sorry, but if you dont like this kinda music you have no place to criticize this cd. Their skills are "great for a bunch of 16yr olds"? Thats a little harsh, considering that i've been playing bass for years, including at least 10 yrs playin slap bass, and these songs still pose a challenge to me. The bass is phenomenal. Im really sad to hear that dirk left the band, but i can understand why. His type of music is in this cd, not in watered down radio-friendly simple basslines. I love science and make yourself and morning view also, but this one will always be my favorite.

Somewhat Like S.C.I.E.N.C.E But Less Rock And More Funk:
I don't get why this album gets so much criticism, because even though it is the most out there Incubus cd, it is also the most original. I mean how many other bands sounded like this at the time? The only band I can think of is the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but even they were quite a bit different. Incubus fans, enjoy Incubus for their unique and creative sound rather than bashing them for having the guts to try something new each time out.

Not flawless, but important:
Incubus Album #1 My junior year of high school (a fair amount of time has passed since then) all my friends are heavily into Incubus, but I have a good laugh at them. At the time I was very much into punk, indie, and heavy metal, and Incubus seemed to be yet another nu-metal band. If it wasn't their music that completely disgusted me, it was Brandon Boyd's inevitability to be shirtless everytime a camera was placed upon him. Then the day came when a random friend told me his mother bought him the first Incubus and it was the best thing he had ever heard. He placed it in his CD player and though I was not floored, I must admit I was hearing something by Incubus and I actually enjoyed it. This album has a fair amount of Primus, Faith No More, and Chili Peppers influencing it (especially in the bass, which is much heavier and louder in the mix than most future efforts) however in Boyd's quirky lyrics and oft-changing vocal stylings I heard a young man who obviously was a Mr. Bungle fan, and I can't bash him for that. "Gonna Be A Hot Dancer" and "Hilikus" are songs cut from the more Mr. Bungle-esque thread, as they feature frantic screaming by Boyd, something he hardly does anymore. Other songs have more of a funk 'n roll sound to them, similar to early Chili Peppers with a much better lead guitar player (sorry John, Dave, and Hilel, but you guys are no Mike Eisinger). "Sink Beneath the Line" features some of the best Eisinger guitar work in his entire career, it is hard to believe he was so young at the time. As good as this album is, it just doesn't have a strong cohesiveness; and the songs themselves are only half memorable, with the exception definitely being "Sink Beneath the Line". But one can't come down too hard on this album as it shows a high school aged band that manages to sound as though they have been playing for years. This album is not for everyone, but if you are a hardcore Incubus fan, than it is a must. In my case, this was the first Incubus album I was able to appreciate, and now I own everything by them. It was my gateway drug into becoming an Incubus junkie.

No Wonder This Is The Only Burned CD I Own:
Well, I listen to this CD every once in a while (maybe on an incredibly long car trip), but I think I've only heard the whole thing 5 times. The CD is fun. It sounds like the good RHCP, and Primus, but not as good. The songs are very similar to each other, but there are a few that I can't help but love, such as You Will Be a Hot Dancer, and Shaft. I'm not a big fan of burning CDs (I got this one off Rhapsody), but burn this one if you really want it. Or just get a few songs on a mix. This CD is not out there. This CD is as un-experimental as Incubus can get.

Late Review:
A lot of people think lowly of this album, just because it is mainly stoner songs. This doesn't mean it is bad, it has a certain charm to it, while a singer can make tons of sounds, something that not a lot of people can do. I'm also tired of people saying that Brandon can only make good songs while stoned. That isn't true at all, all forms are Incubus are excellent, but this might be their prime, since it sounds so.... different. If you have a sense of humor, and are in your teenage years/20's you will love this album. Some of the sections are hiliarious, there are funky bass lines, and excellent guitar solos. This album was done when they were teenagers! That's talent, none of my friends are as talented as these guys. So putting all of the stereotypes aside, this is a solid album, needed if you want a quick, funky fix, and are tired of Mr. Bungle and early Red Hot Chili Peppers. 5/5

• You Will Be a Hot Dancer
• Shaft
• Trouble in 421
• Take Me to Your Leader
• Medium
• Speak Free
• Answer
• Psychopsilocybin
• Sink Beneath the Line
• Hilikus