SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BUSH – I BEAT LONELINESS

BUSH
I BEAT LONELINESS
earMUSIC

Nineties rock icons Bush return with I Beat Loneliness, their 10th studio album. The new record is one of Bush’s most vulnerable to date and combines Bush’s post-grunge roots with electronic, hard rock, and industrial elements. Although it might not reach the status of something like Sixteen Stone or Razorblade Suitcase, there are still many fantastic songs.

Bush tackles themes such as mental health, loneliness, depression, and heartbreak. Despite discussing heavy things, these songs are full of light and hope rather than feeling gloomy or dark. The emotionally cathartic “Everyone Is Broken” will surely be a fan favourite at live shows, with audience members undoubtedly singing along with Gavin Rossdale. Other tracks like “Love Me Till The Pain Fades” approach vulnerable and sensitive topics with care, honesty, and love.

I Beat Loneliness sees Bush incorporating an eclectic variety of genres, including post-grunge, hard rock, electronic and industrial. Throughout the record, many instances will remind listeners of Bush’s music from the ‘90s while expanding their sonic palette, like “60 Ways To Forget People”.

As expected, there are tons of hard-hitting, intense guitar riffs on I Beat Loneliness, like the thunderously heavy riffs in the title track, the razor-sharp, gritty industrial style riffs of “Scars”, and the dope headbanging riffs in “Footsteps In The Sand”. However, the record is at its best when it takes things in a slower and softer direction. The serene production, beautifully peaceful instrumentation, meditative atmosphere, and Rossdale’s haunting vocals make “Don’t Be Afraid” a stunningly memorable song. Meanwhile, the gorgeous soundscape, Rossdale’s soothingly powerful vocals, and the beautifully catchy hooks and anthemic chorus of “We Are Of This Earth” are infectiously irresistible. Alternatively, “Rebel With A Cause” features a remarkable atmosphere with big delicate guitar strums and compelling textures.

Overall, Bush’s I Beat Loneliness is a wonderful assortment of songs that longtime fans of the band will really enjoy.

Artist Links