Gavin Rossdale, former Bush frontman, is back! After losing his band, marrying Gwen Stefani and playing a part in Constantine, he has returned to his original love: music. Together with Chris Traynor, Cache Tolman, Charlie Walker, Rossdale formed Institute, which in his own words refers to a 'cultural collective'. Far from being a solo project, Institute was a product of everyone's input and suggestions.
Because of Rossdale’s distinct voice and him also being the songwriter for Institute, it’s hard not to compare this band with Bush. The sound of Distort Yourself is different from the Bush albums, but feels so very familiar. The largest difference is probably that it has been Americanised. And though that didn’t bring in anything positive with HIM’s latest album, I love the sound of Distort Yourself! It’s rough, sometimes grunge inspired, rock.
The songs are about people and relationships between them. All seem from the first person, but Rossdale also seems to want to make a point of anti-technology. This could be found in lines such as: Information age, System overload, Shoot you for the fame, Lies flow fast like TV futures of Information Age. There are a few songs that absolutely stand out on this album. My favourites are the opener Bulletproof Skin (even though the first 4 seconds sound like the Mission Impossible soundtrack), Come on over (which reminds me of Silverchair) and Ambulances.
Verdict: I love the sound of Distort Yourself. Its well written and composed songs make it hard to wait until they will finally come to the Netherlands for a gig. Don’t expect a Bush follow-up when you listen to this album, but don’t expect something that is completely new. If you’re in to heavy bass lines, loud guitars and Rossdale’s ‘let-me-do-you’ voice, this album is one well worth it to take up some space in your music collection.