Incubus lead singer
Brandon Boyd's debut solo album
The Wild Trapeze is one of those busman's holidays in which an artist known for one thing tries some experiments without coming up with a real alternate identity.
Boyd employs dense acoustic rock arrangements and under-produces the tracks for a rough sound, whether he's rocking out or trying ballads. He often buries his vocals, and even when audible, his imagistic words defy clear comprehension. Often, the music recalls ‘80s
Bowie heirs like
Adam & the Ants and
Duran Duran, or even
David Bowie himself. The project has a rough, unfinished feel, as if it were thrown together when
Boyd had a break in his schedule.
Incubus fans will be interested in hearing what the singer has to say on his own, but at this point, a full-fledged solo career doesn't seem in the offing. ~ William Ruhlmann