Stellar as Always

Change in all its forms is fascinating, and particularly so in music. Bands (hopefully) change from tour to tour and album to album, even if it's just with a revamped, retooled stage performance. This is precisely why I was curious to see how the guys of Incubus had rewired their show since their last South Florida visit, in 2007 with the Bravery. The only problem was, though, whether because of passed time or inebriation, many of the details about that show in West Palm two years ago are now rather hazy. No matter; there's an easy fix for that, said the man with six Miller Lights in the tank. Where the hell was my wife with the voice of reason?

Generally, a new record means new material for the tour. With Moments and Melodies, Incubus' newest release, that's not the case. That's because it's a collection of hits and B-sides with two new tracks. Again, no matter — Incubus simply doesn't disappoint live. Saturday night's performance at the newly renovated Bayfront Park Amphitheater in Miami was brilliant. In a nutshell, Incubus kicked ass and let us know it wasn't screwing around from the get-go. The band opened strong with "Pardon Me" and followed with "Nice to Know You." From there, it didn't relent, barreling through a set chock-full of hits as the sweaty, undulating sea of fans sang along in the balmy Miami night. "Anna Molly," "Stellar," "Megalomaniac," "Circles," "Love Hurts," and "Drive" all made appearances, to the delight of the crowd.

I could try to dissect it and classify differences and distinctions, but the fact is, seeing Incubus live is an emotional experience, and any logic flies out the window. Plus, I already told you I was drunk last time. And this time. So, the guys will have to forgive me for using their line, but Incubus' live show is, in a word, stellar. Plain and simple.