I have returned from a bit of a hiatus over December and the holidays to bring you a Late music review of Bush's return to the music world after a 10 year hiatus with "The Sea of Memories". "The Sea of Memories" was released back in September of 2011. You all remember Singer Gavin Rossdale's 90's alternative rock band Bush, right? In case your completely forgot about them lets refresh your memory just a bit. Their 90's hits included such songs as "Everything Zen", "Swallowed", "Machinehead", "Comedown", "Greedy Fly", "The Chemicals Between us", and the remix of the song "Mouth" which was remixed from the original song off of the album "Razorblade Suitcase" and featured in the movie "An American Werewolf in Paris" as well as featured on Bush's remix album "Deconstructed". Personally, the remix of "Mouth" is one of my favorite Bush songs and continues to be one of my favorite songs of the 90's. If your still a little fuzzy about Bush and who Gavin Rossdale is, I'm sure you all remember Miss Gwen Stefani, of the band No Doubt, and her marriage to yes, Gavin Rossdale. Yes, he is the same guy that founded Bush.
Now that we all remember Bush, let take a look at "The Sea of Memories". Let me start off by saying that if your expecting the same type of Bush 90's alternative music as I guess most of us were, You will be disappointed but, not too disappointed once you hear the music. Like many other bands before them, the period of the mid 2000's to early 2010's (I'm sure future years will yield to this as well), bands have decided to grow and mature and change their sound just a bit. Metallica, Jane's Addiction, and Red Hot Chili Peppers were the most notable bands to do this with their latest albums. Bush has followed that lead and created a more pop-rock album. I would like to think of it as a sort of neoalternative music. Basically speaking, a new 2010's version of the 90's alternative rock. But don't get completely down or think they have sold out by any means. This album is a bit of a breath of fresh air for Bush. Gavin Rossdale's superior vocals really shine on this album and is the best its ever been in Bush's long career which started back in 1992. Hard to believe it's been that long right?
This album has some really catchy heavier riffs as well as some very soulful, more romantic, slower songs (but nothing like the 80's slow, sappy, romance songs). The album also has hints of the bands earlier work intertwined into the music. The lead off single "The Sound of Winter" is most arguably one of the best songs off the album. It has a mid-tempo, very catchy riff and a chorus that begs you to sing along. Another notable song would be "The Afterlife". Another mid-tempo that starts off with a very catchy single guitar riff and vocals that sound almost like a college alternative or punk band song then it dives into the chorus which holds back on the heavy punk/alternative riff for a more lighter standard rock riff. In this next song Gavin Rossdale really shows off his impressive vocals with a slower song called "All Night Doctors". Easily my second favorite song. What can I say, I'm a sucker for slower, romantic rock songs. The song starts off with a lone piano and Gavin's very impressive vocals, then plays into the chorus with very light rhythm guitar in the background and what appears to be another piano or perhaps a violin or guitar solo adding to the background rhythm track behind the lone piano. The next track that starts playing is the soon to be second single from the album, "Baby Come Home". This song has reminiscents of the 90's rock music as it reminds me of being back in the mid to late 90's perhaps even early 2000's. Another song with a mid-tempo catchy riff that sounds like a perfect soundtrack song. "She's a Stallion", "I Believe In You", and "Stand Up" are some other well written songs that also sound like that college-esque alternative band that could be put on a soundtrack. When I see the words "The Heart Of The Matter" I immediately think of the Don Henley song of the same name. Thinking this was a cover of that song the first time I saw the name in the track listing I was eager to listen to it only to find out that it is a completely different and original yet really well done song. Another of my favorite tracks that has an upbeat mid-tempo catchy tune that could easily get stuck in your head. The last song on the album "Be Still My Love" is the second of only two slow songs on the album. Its a bit more uptempo than "All Night Doctors" but again, very well written and Gavin's vocals shine through and are very impressive. No piano though, but its based around a guitar riff and what appears to be a violin or maybe guitar solo in the background.
Overall, I really like the new direction Bush has taken on this new album! As I said before it's a breath of fresh air for Bush, it's fans and for rock music. I highly recommend at least taking a listen to this album. You will definitely like what you hear. Maybe other 90's alternative bands besides Bush and Jane's Addiction will follow suit and continue in this new found neoalternative music!
Favorite Tracks: "The Sound of Winter", "The Afterlife", "All Night Doctors", "Baby Come Home", "She's A Stallion", "Stand Up", "The Heart of The Matter", "Be Still My Love".
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