ALBUM REVIEW: Bush – The Sea of Memories
Published on November 9, 2011 by Dave Sutton · 3 Comments
Following their 2001 album Golden State, which received relatively disappointing sales, Bush disbanded at the end of the accompanying tour, in 2002. Gavin Rossdale went on to record an album with a new band, Institute, which kept some of the spirit of his former band alive, whilst the other members of Bush pursued their own interests.
In 2008, Rossdale released a solo album titled Wanderlust, which diluted the rock and grunge dynamics of his former bands into something that might appeal more to a mainstream audience. Soon after that, Rossdale contacted his former Bush band-mates and rumours of a reunion began to surface.
In 2010, Bush were back. Rossdale was joined by original drummer Robin Goodridge, but with the other two former members declining to rejoin the band, Chris Traynor came in on guitar, having formerly played on Bush’s Golden State tour as well as being guitarist on Institute’s solitary album and also performing on Wanderlust. The line-up was completed by Corey Britz on bass.
Having been originally slated for a late 2010 release (with the working title of Everything Always Now), the album suffered various delays, eventually being released in September 2011, ten years after Bush’s previous album.
Was it worth the wait? I’d have to say it was. Initial impressions were mixed though. Following Rossdale’s solo album in 2008, which mostly took a much softer approach than Bush were famous for, expectations for Bush’s reunion record were for something heavier; feedback-infused post-grunge with Rossdale’s passionate, sometimes ferocious vocals and Bush’s trademark start-stop riffs. That isn’t what was delivered.
Although The Sea of Memories does pack more of a punch than Wanderlust, it still feels quite tame. On first listen, the production struck me as being misjudged, with some of the potential power of the songs seeming to get lost or drowned out along the way. The songs themselves, however, were enjoyable and although it’s probably fair to say it is the band’s softest collection, there is enough of a rock edge throughout the album to justify it being attributed to Bush. The only song that seemed a little disappointing was She’s A Stallion, which has a slightly unusual structure and, to be honest, some fairly ropey lyrics.
Having given the album time and repeated listens, the production seems less of an issue, although that’s not to say that it couldn’t have been better. She’s A Stallion, though still, in my opinion, the weakest track on the album, has grown on me enough for me to say that there isn’t a bad song here.
It’s hard to choose highlights, as the quality is so consistently high – whether the songs edge towards the old Bush alternative rock style or go for more of a pop-rock approach, they remain catchy and full of hooks, with Rossdale’s voice at the forefront, as strong as ever. From the beautiful balladry of All Night Doctors to the heavier sound of songs like The Heart of the Matter and All My Life, there’s plenty here to enjoy.
The UK special edition also comes with bonus tracks, which, with the exception of two horrible, horrible remixes, are well worth having. The alternate version of All Night Doctors is different enough to justify inclusion, whilst remaining just as good as the one found on the album, but the real highlights are the three album out-takes, especially The Year of Danger and Ghost, which I’d rate as highly as the best the album has to offer.
Overall, The Sea of Memories is a great return and, despite the long gap and change of personnel, it’s a worthy follow-up to 2001′s excellent Golden State. Maybe it could’ve been a touch heavier, maybe the production could’ve been better, but ultimately the strength of the songs on offer is more than enough to make up for any shortcomings.
Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for another Bush album. It’ll be very interesting to see what comes next.
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I enjoyed the review and think its a fair one. At first I was shocked how soft it was in comparison to previous Bush and the production of Bob Rock sometimes is too much with vocals. It came off a bit too polished at first but after listening again I started to enjoy the songs much more. I really like the bonus tracks from the European edition and am glad they released them apart from ‘lay down your guns’ thought its a bit repetetive and
odd. As a huge Bush fan I think it stacks up to the old stuff although still very different from the 90′s grunge sound. Thanks a nice review! Id personally give the album 8 stars, Sixteen Stone for me would be at 9.5…
I always thought Sixteen Stone was the best thing they ever did.
Golden State is my personal favourite. I’d rate The Sea of Memories as being just as good as Sixteen Stone and Razorblade Suitcase, but obviously very different in style.
I agree with what James said, this new album sounded too polished on first listen, but after repeated listens it does become less of an issue.
I think some people might easily dismiss this after one listen, just because of the production and because it’s probably not what they were expecting. That would be a shame, as it’s a really good album, one of my favourites of this year.