Distort Yourself

After the demise of Bush, vocalist/guitarist Gavin Rossdale unveiled his new band, Institute, in 2005. Whereas Bush was rooted in the grunge-rock aesthetic of Nirvana and Soundgarden, Institute is anchored by a heavy, stripped-down sound that recalls Helmet. In fact, the latter group's Page Hamilton produces most of Institute's debut, DISTORT YOURSELF, and guitarist Chris Traynor (who toured with Bush in the ensemble's final years) splits his time between Institute and Helmet. (Those expecting the pop sensibilities of Rossdale's wife, Gwen Stefani, to surface will leave empty-handed.)
While Bush fans will immediately recognize Rossdale's distinctive singing and razor-sharp guitar work, the overall vibe here is more direct than the bulk of that band's output, resulting in fierce, straightforward rock that charges ahead with pile-driving force. The record's first single, "Bullet Proof Skin," features a subtle techno sheen (courtesy of drum-and-bass artist Photek's writing and production input), while "When Animals Attack" is marked by tight, wiry guitar riffs that exemplify DISTORT YOURSELF. Like A Perfect Circle and Audioslave, Institute proves that there can be second acts in the lives of alt-rock heroes.