Album Review - Bush, "Sea of Memories"

Megan Purazrang
WCB Music Writer

Bush

Sea of Memories

Released - September 13, 2011

Producer - Bob Rock

Label - Zuma Rock Records

Take a moment and go back to the well-known music of the ‘90s. This was the time when Nigel Pulsford, Robin Goodridge, Dave Parsons, and Gavin Rossdale all London born rockers, joined the music scene with their band Bush. The band was best known for their hit single “Swallowed” from their second album Razorblade Suitcase. In 2002, the band dispersed, and last year lead singer Rossdale and drummer Goodridge reunited to bring the band back adding new members, guitarist Chris Traynor and bassist Corey Britz. The band’s new album is called The Sea of Memories.

The album was produced by Bob Rock and holds the typical alternative-rock edgy, adventurous sound, but it lacks a pull for listeners. The 12 tracks can be complimented for holding true to the sound of Bush’s past releases when it comes to vocal arrangements over the spaced beats of music. The bland manner of the newer songs is found in the lack of persistence in rhythm.

“The Sound of Winter” has a beat that is faster than most of the other songs, which gives potential to have the catchy feel that brings remembrance to a song. However, the song does not have building blocks leading to a climax. It begins with a monotone sound that continues through the entirety of the track. The lyrics “The bleeding love, the silent escape. You’ve got to hang on to yourself,” conveys a message of hope in its contradicting words. It is the most beautifully written song on the album, but the depth lacks the element of audacious feeling by remaining average with monotone beats.

The ballad “All Night Doctors,” delivers relatable emotions through the words, and is memorable because of the distinctive piano accompaniment. On the contrary, “Red Light” brings the known sound of Bush’s youth and combines it with a modern pop beat carrying a rhythmic-energetic essence. It is the only time on the album that the two mixed-genre sounds progress smoothly.

For some bands, what happened in the ‘90s should stay in the ‘90s.