Year of the Comeback: Bush - The Sea Of Memories

Is it just me, or does every band I used to really be into have a new album all of a sudden? I got three new albums last week, all of them from bands that I got into right around the fifth grade, all of them considered 'comeback' albums.

The one I was most excited for would have to be The Sea Of Memories by Bush.

Bush isn't exactly one of those really well known bands, but they've always held a soft spot for me. They were one of those groups I just happened to stumble upon just as I was really getting into music. They also happen to be one of the most consistent bands I know. Through their four albums spanning from 1994's Sixteen Stone, to 2001's Garden State they not only made good music, but more importantly they kept their sound fresh. Ten years later, they're finally back, and they have a lot to live up to.

I've known this album was coming for a long time now, it's been delayed a couple of times. I'm never one to complain about delays on things like this, when it's done it's done. But in this case it caught me by surprise, because apparently I'd been hearing the single for the past year and I didn't even know it was Bush, because it really doesn't sound like them. Afterlife has a much more mainstream pop sound than what we're used to from these guys. It's not a bad song at all, but it just doesn't sound like this band, and it almost doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. You can really tell they were recorded in different moments, almost a year apart. It's a testament to how much a band's sound can change in a year.

The second single The Sound Of Winter is a much more accurate representation of what the new album sounds like. It's catchy a riff heavy alt rock at it's finest. Once you hear it, it's like Bush never left.

Gavin Rossdale is still just as good at what he's always done. He's never had the most amazing voice, but he really knows how to use what he has and make it sound great. He just has one of those unique sounding voices that just gets stuck in your head, and it just makes the songs that much catchier. And I really do think it's what carries the band.

The album itself keeps true to the Bush sound. Some have said it's their best since their first, I'm not sure I agree, being quite partial to The Science Of Things. But I will say it is a good album. Like I said before, more than anything, Bush is consistent. Their sound doesn't feel dated at all, and the sound still holds strong.

I can't complain though. It's not every day that a band you like this much makes a comeback album this good. It saddens me to say, that most comeback efforts end up quite disappointing (trust me, more on that in the next posts). So, all in all, Bush is back, successfully. And for those of you who know me, I'd like to inform you that my tiny man-crush on Rossdale had no impact on my rating this album. I swear. 

He's just so pretty.

In my book, The Sea Of Memories is quite enjoyable. Not their best, but a welcome return.

6/10