9

Former Bush man remains loyal to his post-grunge roots.

Next to the huge success of his now iconic other-half, you could be forgiven for forgetting that as the front man of Bush Gavin Rossdale has sold over fourteen million albums worldwide. After Bush split in 2001 Rossdale turned his hand to acting (you might recognise him as fallen angel Balthazar, starring alongside Keanu Reeves in Constantine) but now returns with new band Institute to reclaim his rock god status and remind the world of his former success.

After a slow, brooding start, 'Bullet-Proof Skin' (the lead track from Institute's debut album, 'Distort Yourself') explodes into a mass of driving, distorted guitar sounds, full of punctuated Bush-esque stop/start hooks. Fuzzy, over-driven guitars propels the track into its massively catchy chorus, while Rossdale's distinctively raw, grungy vocals simmer with a emotive passion and energy.

Whilst Institute retain the rock sound of Bush, 'Bullet-Proof Skin' has a harder, heaver emphasis. Although the song may be catchy enough to receive plenty of airplay, it is dark enough and punchy enough to keep your average rock fan happy, while Bush fans will appreciate Rossdale's loyalty to his post grunge roots.