So many hits, so little time. That’s the problem with iconic bands like Incubus, whose arsenal of chart-toppers is so huge that they could prepare a meaty 20-song setlist for one gig and the audience would still end up clamoring for more.
Fortunately for us hardcore Filipino fans, the California-based band apparently keeps coming back to the Philippines every 3 to 4 years (thank you, Ovation Productions), so there’s still a good chance for us to hear those Incubus songs we’ve fervently hoped to hear live.
For the band’s fourth concert in the country, which happens tonight at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Yes, we did our homework: we’ve already checked which songs they had performed so far at each stop of the band’s ongoing Asia Pacific tour. We even dug up the archives to compare the set lists from their 2004, 2008 and 2011 Manila gigs.
High-energy tracks “Megalomaniac” and “Anna Molly” seem to be set list staples, as are midtempo favorites “Nice To Know You,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Drive.” Let’s not forget “Pardon Me” and “Stellar,” which practically put Incubus on the alt-rock map more than a decade ago.
We can also expect 2 brand new tunes in the set list: the searing hot single “Absolution Calling” and the title track from their upcoming EP, “Trust Fall (Side A),” due for release later this month.
While we’ll probably never get tired of listening to all of these hits, we’re hoping Brandon Boyd and his merry bandmates could indulge their loyal followers and play these 5 awesome songs that are rarely heard live (plus some alternative picks, just in case). Taking into account past set lists and the fact that they only have 2 new songs to debut, it stands to reason that the band may have more room for taking fan requests this time around. After all, to borrow their own words, “If not now, when?”
The ultimate song request: “Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song)”
Not surprisingly, this funk groove track from 1997’s “S.C.I.E.N.C.E.” album has topped every Incubus fan’s concert wishlist so far. The band has never played it in any of its Manila shows to date, so the mere thought of finally hearing this song live is enough to make us pee in our pants in excitement. It’s very timely, too, as it’s the perfect rock song for the season. We’re definitely crossing our fingers and toes for this.
Runner-up: “A Certain Shade of Green” (acoustic version)
The lighter-waving anthem: “Dig”
Why this largely underrated track from 2006’s “Light Grenades” never seems to make it into any setlist is beyond baffling. If there was an Incubus song that had the power to make people cry buckets on each other’s shoulders, this would most likely be it. “Dig” is a touching tribute to enduring friendship and the beauty of having someone to rely on even when you’re at your worst. Please, Incubus, don’t let our live experience of this song be limited to the “Look Alive” DVD. We promise to turn the singalong volume (and the waterworks) on full blast for this one.
Runners-up: “If Not Now, When?”, “The Warmth”
The requisite senti song: “I Miss You”
This sweetly serenading track from 1999’s “Make Yourself” was the first encore song during the band’s 2011 Manila show, and the audience’s reaction went from shell-shocked to hysterical to completely smitten in a heartbeat. For the sake of those who didn’t get to experience it live back then, we’re putting this on the wishlist in case some members of the audience need the perfect opportunity to propose to their significant others.
Runners-up: “Love Hurts,” “Here in My Room,” “Promises, Promises”
The moshpit maker: “Redefine”
Who’s up for some good ol’ headbanging? (Yes, we just revived the word “headbanging.”) We’re pretty sure that older fans would agree when we say that this song from “S.C.I.E.N.C.E.” – which represents Incubus at its Boyd-rapping, bass-slapping, turntable-scratching best – deserves to be heard live at least once in this lifetime.
Runner-up: “Glass”
The cathartic pick: “Warning”
If you’re stressed, angst-ridden, or simply fed up with your life, here’s an ever-reliable track from 2001’s “Morning View” to help you release some of that pent-up frustration. This was already included in the 2004 setlist, but we definitely wouldn’t mind singing along to it again. Very, very loudly.
Runner-up: “Oil and Water”
The cover song request: The Police’s “Roxanne”
With so many original Incubus tracks to choose from, it almost seems like an insult to request for a cover song at this point. But if the band could humor us with just one, “Roxanne” would be a real treat. After all, it’s hard to forget that seminal mashup medley they did years ago – and with Police drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers, no less.
Runners-up: Bill Withers’ “Stand By Me,” Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and a full version of Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” which should effectively make fangirls’ jaws drop, among other things.
