Singer Brandon Boyd shared a photo of himself in the studio tracking vocals

Incubus [Matt Bishop/The Rock Revival]

Incubus are working on a new album. In a post on social media, singer Brandon Boyd shared a photo of himself in the studio recording vocals for the band’s upcoming ninth album. Check out the photo below of Brandon in the studio with his dogs.

It has been a long-running rumor that the band’s next album will be titled Something in the Water. Incubus released their last album 8 back in April of 2017. The record peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.

The release of 8 marked a pivotal moment in the modern era of Incubus, both creatively and personally. Produced by longtime collaborator Dave Sardy, the album was recorded during a transitional period for the band, following the departure of bassist Ben Kenney due to a brain tumor diagnosis and subsequent surgery. His absence led to a temporary replacement by Nicole Row on tour, while the band—Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, José Pasillas, and Chris Kilmore—pushed forward with a record that leaned into a rawer, more stripped-down sound compared to their previous effort, If Not Now, When? (2011). Songs like “Nimble Bastard” and “State of the Art” showcased a renewed urgency, blending their signature alternative rock textures with introspective lyricism. Although 8 received mixed-to-positive reviews, critics generally praised its energy and cohesion, while fans welcomed it as a return to a more guitar-driven approach.

Following the 8 album cycle, Incubus maintained a steady touring presence, a hallmark of their longevity and connection with fans—something you’ve probably seen reflected in the kind of detailed concert coverage you like. Their live shows during this era leaned heavily on both nostalgia and evolution, blending hits like “Drive,” “Wish You Were Here,” and “Pardon Me” with newer material.

In 2019, the band released the single “Into the Summer,” a breezy, sun-soaked track that hinted at a more relaxed creative direction and became a modest radio success on the alternative charts. This standalone release signaled that Incubus was no longer operating strictly within traditional album cycles, instead embracing a more flexible, song-by-song approach in the streaming era.

The early 2020s brought both challenges and reinvention. Like many artists, Incubus was forced to pause touring during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they adapted by engaging fans through livestream performances and revisiting their catalog. One of the most notable projects to emerge from this period was Morning View XXIII (2023), a re-recorded version of their beloved 2001 album Morning View.

Rather than simply remastering the original, the band chose to fully re-record the album at the same Malibu house where it was initially created, capturing both the nostalgia and the growth of the band members as musicians and individuals. This project highlighted how Incubus has continually recontextualized its legacy, offering longtime fans a fresh perspective on one of their most iconic releases while introducing it to newer audiences.

Lineup stability also returned as Ben Kenney gradually rejoined the band in the early 2020s, though his health journey remained a significant chapter in Incubus’ recent history. Meanwhile, Brandon Boyd expanded his creative pursuits outside the band, releasing solo material, visual art, and literary projects, all of which subtly informed Incubus’ evolving artistic identity. Guitarist Mike Einziger likewise remained active in production and composition, including work in film scoring and collaborations outside the band, further enriching Incubus’ sonic palette.

By the mid-2020s, Incubus had settled into a role as both legacy act and active creative force—a balance that many of their contemporaries have struggled to maintain. They continued to tour globally, often performing full-album sets (including Morning View anniversaries) alongside career-spanning shows, appealing to both longtime fans and newer listeners discovering their catalog through streaming platforms. While a full-length follow-up to 8 has been long anticipated, the band has taken a deliberate approach to releasing new material, prioritizing authenticity and inspiration over commercial pressure.

Ultimately, Incubus’ journey from 8 to the present reflects a band that has embraced maturity without sacrificing curiosity. Rather than chasing trends, they have leaned into their identity—melding alternative rock, funk, electronic textures, and introspective lyricism—while adapting to an ever-changing music industry. Their ability to revisit their past, navigate personal challenges, and continue evolving creatively has solidified their status as one of the most enduring and respected bands of their generation, still capable of filling venues and delivering the kind of dynamic live performances that remain central to their legacy.

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