More often than not, stars are elusive when you’re in the metropolis. The evening sky last Saturday, February 17, wasn’t an exception.

But with some stroke of luck, the lackluster nightscape that I saw was exceedingly compensated by a different kind of star. I’m talking about Incubus, a Los Angeles-based rock band that recently returned to Manila to promote their eighth full-length album aptly titled “8.”

For starters, the troupe is composed of Brandon Boyd (vocals), Mike Einziger (guitar, piano, backing vocals), José Pasillas II (drums), Chris Kilmore (turntables, keyboards), and Ben Kenney (bass). With a catalog dense with smashes and musical gems, the band is recognized for not sticking with just one type of music — they have continually experimented with different genres including alt-rock, alt-metal, funk rock, electronica, and even pop.

Incubus currently embarks on a world tour to promote their latest album, “8.”

The rock titans were in the country for the fifth time, and there’s certainly a good reason why Filipinos keep filling their concert venues to the brim. As a first-time attendee, I could only expect the Incubus magic I’ve been reading on the web — that they sound as great (even better) as they are inside the recording studio — unfold right before my very eyes.

A little over 9 PM, the house lights of the Smart-Araneta Coliseum were already dimmed down. Seconds later, I found myself caught amidst the sea of fans raving to witness the band’s music come to life. Their screams signalled the start of what would be an unforgettable concert experience.

The rock outfit kicked their two-hour set off with the intoxicating “Love in a Time of Surveillance,” a song from their newest album laced with a mixture of beeping and static sound effects. Inviting a crowd sing-along, they followed it up with their 2001 hit, “Warning.”

Prior to performing the angsty “Nimble Bastard,” the lead single off their latest effort, the crowd briefly chanted a birthday song to Brandon, who turned 42 on the 15th. Their number-one single “Anna Molly,” which they dished out afterwards, further hyped up the audience, igniting them to jump, throw their hands in the air, and sing the classic word play-woven chorus at the top of their voices.

Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd brings his handsome trills to spotlight as he performs classic and fresh songs at their Big Dome concert.

The night went on with this pattern — Incubus seamlessly performing old and new tracks, Brandon throwing off moves and owning the stage not only with his charismatic voice but with his deft in playing instruments such as the bass drum, tambourine and guitar, and the rest of the band showcasing their mastery in their own roles.

The concert’s hardly having any dull moment is proof that their recent releases are satisfying additions to their high-octane concert setlist.

The long-locked Brandon, donned in a black sleeveless shirt, an olive green button-down wrapped around his waist, and white pants, wore a beret a little later, giving off that hip 90’s and early 2000’s vibe right in time for their next couple of songs: the trenchant “Megalomaniac,” “Wish You Were Here” (with a sample of a Pink Floyd tune of the same name towards the end), the stand-out “Pardon Me,” the Morning View hits “Circles” and “Echo,” and the crowd-favorite, “Stellar.”

Remaining loyal to the evening’s vigorous and dynamic mood, the group then dished out their 8 opener, “No Fun.” Contrary to its title, the track provided another three-and-a-half minutes where the rock-loving bunch can savor a fun, adrenaline rush only a live Incubus concert can give.

“Loneliest,” another remarkable track from their latest record, delivered another moment that well, the ladies, most probably wouldn’t forget. Brandon, all while showing off his sultry, ageless vocals, completed the Incubus show as he took off his loose sleeveless shirt and brought the vulnerability of the somber song he was performing to a different, ahem, dimension.

Brandon Boyd (L) and Chris Kilmore (R) team up to stage a dramatic intro for the band’s smash single, “Drive.”

Before transitioning to their final greatest-hits portion, the band performed one last track off 8 — the musical instrumental “Make No Sound In The Digital Forest.” The songs that followed have hit the audience full-on — the outfit performed a punchy rendition of “Nice To Know You” back to back with a differently-flavored version of their mega-hit “Drive,” which featured a downtempo keyboard intro.

As how enjoyment from the crowd occupied the Araneta atmosphere, gratefulness was also written all over the faces of the five rock veterans. And to reciprocate the musical hospitality of the Pinoys, Incubus quickly responded to the demand for an encore as they rocked it out to the Light Grenades cuts, “Quicksand” and “A Kiss To Send Us Off.”

Few minutes shy of 11 PM, the house lights were finally turned on. Brandon, Mike, José, Chris and Ben gathered at the center before taking a bow and waving Manila goodbye. Seconds later, I found myself hastily going through my phone to take a snap of the rock stars who staged a concert experience like no other. The audience sent in a final wave of cheers and applause; it signalled that the night is finally over.

The gents of Incubus take center stage to bid their Filipino fans farewell after a sold-out show on February 17 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. (L-R: Ben Kenney, José Pasillas II, Brandon Boyd, Chris Kilmore, Mike Einziger)

Even after the concert, satisfied spectators still tarried outside. I looked at the Big Dome one last time, and revelled at how that Saturday evening has truly been — it was nothing short of stellar.