Review BUSH ‘I Beat Loneliness’

Just in time before they embark on a tour with Volbeat, Bush have launched a new album. ‘I Beat Loneliness’ is the title of the British alternative rockers’ tenth album. It was back in the ’90s that the London-based band released their debut album, ‘Sixteen Stone’, which was a stunning first success for this young outfit. This success was the springboard for the band, who went on to release two more longplayers, ‘Razorblade Suitcase’ and ‘The Science of Things’, which continued to showcase their talent for creating great alternative and grunge-inspired rock albums. This was the band’s peak moment, before they disbanded in 2002.

Eight years later, Gavin Rossdale reformed Bush, and the band has released a few more records since then. ‘I Beat Loneliness’ is the band’s latest release, an album containing twelve songs. While it may not match the success of their early releases, it is still a well-crafted album. The 47-minute journey begins with a song called ‘Scars’. The title hints that this isn’t the most upbeat song. It is more of a relentless musical self-reflection.

Next is the title track, driven by a roaring riff and throbbing beat. At the same time, the song also reveals a fragile dimension, which heightens the sense of suspense. ‘The Land of Milk and Honey’ is a dark-vibed song in which synths play a bigger role. Synths also return in ‘Footsteps in the Sand’, which is slower and creates a heavy-hearted ambiance. Lyrically, the song addresses the finitude and fragility of everything, much like footprints in the sand.

The shortest track on the album is called ’60 Ways to Forget People’. In less than three minutes, Bush present a song that alternates between a calm verse and a powerful chorus. Furthermore, there is the atmospheric ‘Don’t Be Afraid’, a very soulful moment on the album that follows ‘Everyone Is Broken’. The latter also takes a similar approach and is another touching part of the album.

‘Rebel With a Cause’ is the final track on the album. The album features yet another melancholic moment, lyrically exploring the theme of inner struggles. This calmer, emotion-driven song concludes the album.

‘I Beat Loneliness’ is a solid rock album. While there were some grunge influences in Bush’s early work, Rossdale and his bandmates have moved on to deliver another melancholic rock album showcasing everything from atmospheric moments to explosive outbursts. ‘I Beat Loneliness’ is certainly an authentic album that comes straight from the heart. What’s missing are a couple of standout songs that set it apart from the rest of the material. Still, it’s a good album with good songs. Neither more nor less.