Album review: INCURA – Incura
Inside Out – Out Now.
Canadian quintet Incura I have only just discovered, through their same-titled debut release, but the fact that they are releasing this work under the moniker of Inside Out was enough to make me jump up and pay attention.
Said German progressive Rock/Metal orientated label has opened my eyes to some pretty unique and technically challenging music these last few years, so things were looking promising for “Incura”.
I am sure you have come across labels describing their aspiring young artists as “innovative”, “genre bending” and/or “unclassifiable”, only to discover that none of the above ever truly applied?
Well, this is one of the few cases where all these descriptions are totally justifiable, as I cannot recall the last time I came across a band with such a huge variety of musical influences. The only thing left to establish was whether the band had the skills to utilise these influences to create both coherent and inspiring material. How well did they do?
I have to admit that I still feel fairly confused as to what I should make of “Incura” and what I think a fair rating would be.
As far as technical and compositional skills are concerned, these lads take top marks, having successfully combined elements of Theatrical Prog, Pop and modern US Rock in such a mature way.
Having said that, some of their teenage-angst themes have been a bit difficult for me to digest and that is the reason why I find myself struggling to come to a solid conclusion/rating.
In “Get the Gun” and “I Breathe This”, the first compositions of the album, you come across a band that’s firing on all cylinders, with every member offering performances of equal quality but it is not long before one recognises the main star of this show.
It is the dramatic refrain of “I’m Here Waiting” and the dramatic Rock Opera styled vocal performance in “Who You Are” which places vocalist Kyle Gruninger directly in the spotlight and, from that point onwards, all the focus is on him for the remaining songs of the album.
“Turning Blue” finds the band blending Dream Theater style riffs with 80s Hair Metal vocal hooks, while the moody piano tunes on “Decide” add an extra dimension to this already ridiculously varied album.
The last few compositions on offer are targeting those far younger in years than yours truly, however, there’s enough variety in songs like “The Greatest Con” and “Sweat Runs Cold” to impress a wider audience also.
Based solely on technical and compositional skill, I would have no problem whatsoever granting “Incura” a top rating as I am truly amazed by the musical knowledge that this outfit possesses.
Sadly, there are certain dominant elements in this album that I am not particularly fond of and that is why I am forced to be slightly more restrained in my evaluation.
Perhaps someone a bit younger than I am might appreciate this album differently and for that reason I strongly urge you to listen to this album for yourself and reach your own conclusions.
John Stefanis
Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)