Bush
The Art Of Survival

Literally reborn with “The Kingdom” two years ago, Bush continues their path of rebirth with the new “The Art Of Survival.”

A winning team shouldn't be changed, and thus the band's lineup is solidified and confirmed compared to the previous effort: besides former Helmet and Institute member Chris Traynor, Nik Hughes joins permanently on drums (this time also present during the recording phase of the album) and Corey Britz is confirmed on bass. Alongside the now central leader Gavin Rossdale, Erik Ron, who has recently worked with Black Veil Brides, returns as producer.

The new work of the British quartet continues in line with the previous one while pushing more on the heavy side of the band's offering. If in “The Kingdom” the new “metallic” outfit was sometimes in the background, here they definitely push the pedal to the metal, and Traynor’s guitar traces post-grunge trajectories (as per the best tradition of the group), but with a well-defined aggressive taste inspired by the best in the genre.

The evident tribute to Alice In Chains in the second single “Heavy Is The Ocean” indeed opens the album, with the band then entering more reassuring territory with “Slow Me,” more akin to the golden era of “Razorblade Suitcase.” From the same parish come the Corgan-inspired “Judas Is A Riot” and “Identity,” post-grunge thumps perfectly calibrated to form a unique and recognizable style; the latter is the result of Rossdale and company’s collaboration with Tyler Bates, a producer and film composer who has already worked alongside Marilyn Manson. Along with Bush on the previous work, he also collaborates on writing the beautiful “Kiss Me I’m Dead,” with a vaguely Sabbathian vibe.

The lead single “More Than Machines” is almost Korn-like in its fast and aggressive stride and has fittingly represented the album's content, which offers a bit of calm with the good “Creatures Of The Fire,” a usual “Glycerine”-style moment that will delight the many fans of fifty-six-year-old Rossdale (always in enviable shape), and with the expansive closing “1000 Days.”

Another bullseye for Bush, who can now be certified as reborn and back on track.

Best track: Heavy Is The Ocean