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The influences are very obvious on here--Primus, Faith No More and early Red Hot Chili Peppers (Mostly displayed on "Speak Free"). For fans of S.C.I.E.N.C.E., you will find yourself listening to "Take Me To Your Leader" the most, as I do. "Shaft" is another "stellar" song, and is one of Incubus' most energetic works out there. "Psychopsilocybin" is another standout, and yes, another song with that signature energetic vibe that Incubus possess, which most of the songs on here seem to have.

You must listen to this for what it is--a very very early recording of a young band. The problem with most of these reviewers is they are all stuck on "Make Yourself" and fail to realize that this is not a new recording, therefore cannot be expected to be as good as their newer stuff. If you like bands like Mr. Bungle or early (hed)p.e., you should really consider adding this gem to your collection.


Would've been 0 stars without "Shaft"   May 23, 2003
 12 out of 34 found this review helpful

If you are a big fan of Incubus' current sound (which by this repulsive review I guess I am), you will not get much out of listening to Fungus Amongus. I was intrigued to see this CD pop up out of what seemed like nothingness after the brilliant release of Make Yourself, but was more than disappointed with every song; except for maybe "Shaft", which shows potential for what would later be S.C.I.E.N.C.E. People who say they love this CD and give it 5-stars are obviously too in love with Incubus and cannot tell the difference between good and really, really bad. Even the band, in the booklet, makes note that at times these recordings are "mildly painful" to listen to. And that's being generous. Sure, they were 15 and 16 year-old wannabes, but that doesn't excuse the fact that this album is horrible. And that certainly doesn't make it worthwhile. Only the diehard Incubus fans who would throw themselves out in front of 100-mph traffic for the band will find Fungus Amongus to be even a decent LP. I just don't get it. The sound quality on every single track is awful; some of the worst ever on a re-released disc. "Re-released" usually means that the band has added something to make it better than what it already was. Not the case. None of these songs sound like anything from either S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Make Yourself, or Morning View. Therefore, this poorly recorded CD and sad attempt at making money only proves to be beneficial for Incubus fanatics. ...


4 Stars...No, No, Gotta Give It Five   April 16, 2002
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Ah, yes. Funk-metal. A dying genre of music. It started with legendary albums like Blood Sugar..., and The Real Thing, and Sailing The Seas Of Cheese. Fungus Amongus does nothing but uphold those albums, and in many areas, surpasses them in superb musicianship, blistering assault, and complete and total all-out wackyness. Incubus recorded this when they were around 19 years old, but it doesn't really show in the music. Lyrics maybe. Some of the songs, like "The Answer," or the incredible "Take Me To Your Leader" are great foreshadowings of the rap-funk-metal to be seen on S.C.I.E.N.C.E, and other songs fully portray every bit of talent the band has, notably "Speak Free." Fans of Morning View, well, this album might go right over your head, because it is very different from the Incubus we know today. Brandon's voice is still in top form. To prepare for him here, listen to the song "Deep Inside." Fungus Amongus's songs are basically(or is it bassically?) rawer versions of that. The lyrics, although immature, are thought-provoking and downright hilarious at times, although laced with oodles of profanity. It's a bit of a wild card to buy this album, and it might take 6 months to a year for it to grow on you, but relax. A true Incubus fan NEEDS this one in their collection. It's worth it.


One of the best...   September 29, 2003
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I read a few of the reviews before I started to write my own. It seems as if there is no middle ground on this record. It's either love or hate.

If you made me guess I would think that the band hates this CD. It's those old songs that you wrote years ago and so much has changed since then. But as a fan and one who enjoys something different, Fungus Amongus is a great CD to help fight off the mundane MTV malaise.

I have to tell you all that I found Incubus just like every other kid out there, on the radio, I don't have a story like, "I knew bob who went to high school with the lead singer and I have there first demo on tape." But I do genuinely like their music and their musical diversity.

One review said that you have to be too in love with Incubus to say that you like this CD, well I would say that you would have to be too in love with MTV to not like this CD.

If you like what you here out there on the radio and you also have Justin Timberlake in your CD collection DON'T BUY IT! If you like some flavor to your music and are willing to try something different then you may just love it


A generally fun CD   December 6, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This CD is truly a feat if you really stop and think about it. the band was 16 and already playing like this with an absolutely unique style. The musicianship is just astounding (and anyone who says otherwise, I defy you to sit down with a guitar or bass and play like that, I freakin dare you) and the vocals are funny, uplifting, and even kind of heavy in certain places. I think this and S.C.I.E.N.C.E are probably their best releases. A cool mix of punk, ska, funk, and a little metal.