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Institute

Distort Yourself
2005
Interscope

Institute - Distort Yourself (Cover Artwork)

Review by: thirtyseconds
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Published on October 14th 2005

Alright, time to come clean. I have never ever heard any of the bands connected to this project (via the members' past exploits with other bands) apart from Bush. Well, I've heard Orange 9mm very briefly, but they were forgettable. So much in fact I had to edit this and the last sentence in when I suddenly realised I had in fact heard them. Should I be reviewing this? Does that really matter? I would argue not, as Rossdale is also the songwriter for his new band, Institute. Therefore, for this review, you can expect me to draw comparisons to Bush and Bush only. Even that in itself seems rather redundant when this CD is actually listened to; sure, the two bands share vocalist and songwriter but this is a different band, not a new Bush album under a different moniker. Although the lyrics are the of same slightly obscure, poetic nature Rossdale pulls off so well and uniquely. He manages to write some pretty odd lines whilst never losing the listener's ear because (s)he doesn't really know what's going on. I find the lyrics on this album a little more straightforward than any of Bush's stuff, but nevertheless, still pretty original.

Now, to me, that poses the question of why these lyrics are a little more straightforward. As many (if not all) of you know, Bush enjoyed HUGE success in the mid `90s, especially in the U.S. of A. Their first album, Sixteen Stone, sold 9 million copies (as far as I can remember) and the following effort, Razorblade Suitcase, managed a further 5 million purchases. Radio hits were a-plenty and appearances on MTV/VH1 were reasonable in number. Bush had certainly hit the big time. What about the third album, I hear you ask? The Science of Things didn't achieve anything like the sales of the previous 2 albums, and the followup, Golden State, flopped even more. Ironically, by that stage, the golden era was well and truly over. People lost interest in the band, even the members. Here we are then in 2005 with Rossdale giving it another shot. With that huge fall from grace in mind, I wondered how radio-friendly this album would be. Surely Gavin would want to go back to the old days of fame and fortune? I personally reckon so. Of course, the easiest way to do that is unleash a batch of songs designed to fit perfectly on rock shows across radio stations all over the globe. Even though radio rock these days is mostly a wasteland of indie crap and pop-punk of the worst kind. Hell, there's not even any nü-metal [Ed.'s note: I wouldn't go that far!].

Put simply, the lyrics, music and overall flow of the album has been streamlined (despite some cool effects) to give a more straight ahead rock sound. Even the guitar riffs are the simplest of Rossdale's career. Indeed, this is not necessarily a bad thing. This is what I like to call "Movie-Rock." (OK, I like to call it "Film-Rock", but you Yanks and your different take on the English language...tsk.) Movie-Rock is the sort of rock that doesn't and can never rock your face off or make you go nuts to when no one else is in the house. Movie-Rock sounds amazing on action films when you're watching them in the cinema (theatre. Sorry, theater.). It provides the sort of beef those car chases or gun fights need to make them something special. Anyone seen "Mission Impossible?" I hope you get my point. At the right time and place, this CD does not fail.

Okay, besides all that bollocks I've written above, I'll do my best to tell you how it sounds. The songs here are extremely bass-driven. Most of the verses feature a slow drum beat with a simple but driving bass line (a good example is the second track, "When Animals Attack") behind Gwen's hubby's (I've mentioned his name far too much in this review. There are other band members.). The verses have a nice, relaxed feel to them. The choruses are rocky, with slow, drawn-out melodies that sort of give this album a spacey, atmospheric presence (especially the last track, "Save the Robots") without being boring or quiet. I must say, it works really well. Turned up loud, some of the moments here do raise my pulse occassionally. If you've heard "Bullet Proof Skin," you'll see what I mean -- the main riff is pretty damn quality. Also, the verse riff on "Come on Over" just plain rocks and, with the whole track, is one of the best examples of "Movie-Rock" on here. Catchy enough to make you sing along, but without compromising the rock. I would say that "Bullet Proof Skin" is the best song on here, along with "Ambulance."

In a strange sort of way, this does not sound like Bush, but at the same time, if you didn't like Bush, you won't like this. It just isn't your thing is how I'm going to sum this album up. For anyone else still reading, let me tell you this album is done exceptionally well and is a worthy addition to your collection. Just don't expect to be spinning this one year down the line. Strike now while the iron's hot, it's an enjoyable effort. It's about time radio-rock got louder, and this could be the album to do that.

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 29, 2005 at 7:33 PM (EST)
My Score:

Love
Gavin and album is great!

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 12:18 AM (EST)
My Score:

This band is great. good symbol! i like the olde english symbol of I. The music is excellent. Gavin is a great singer and a talented actor if u have seen Constantine. This band has elements of Soungarden, Bush,and Helmet all in one.
When animals attack is the best song on the album.
other songs have deep emotion. This band is a talented
group of individuals! Gavin Rossdale is a wizard!
hail Institute! Im a guy who knows good music and this is it!

Meher Kumar

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 12:09 AM (EST)
My Score:

A great band.

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 10:33 AM (EST)

Im listing to it now. Rock M.O.R. - Lame.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 10:05 AM (EDT)

"what the fuck is this ridiculous piece of shit band doing on here? they were on tour recently and charged 25 dollars. fuck these no talent ass clowns."

but i agree that is lame

and i cant decide if "boombox" is cheesy or good

or shit

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 10:01 AM (EDT)
My Score:

i love elitist tarts with their cocky sarcastic comments, i wish there was more in the world so it would be so much eaisier to decide what to wear and what to listen to.

you think the mtv generation is crap, take a look at yourself.

this is actually a very good album, i like alot of albums from alot of genres and 'scenes'. I listen to an album through maybe once or twice, and then decide if it is any good.

oh wait i just noticed the cover! LOL omfg

seriously, you guys should post some of the albums you listen to so we can evaluate the cover art.

i wait in baited breath for a witty reply or information about my bad spelling or grammar.

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 8:14 AM (EDT)

totally agree with the dude below: Why is this shit reviewed here?? There are enough MTV Alternative Bands polluting the music scene, please dont bother with the next project of thankfully forgotten MTVH1 Crap

Posted by wehavecomeforyourchildren on 2005-10-16 13:40:25

this review is too long.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 7:13 PM (EDT)
My Score:

B-A-N-A-N-A-S !!

Posted by moneenerd on 2005-10-15 12:51:36

..Also, Orange 9mm was incredible.

Posted by moneenerd on 2005-10-15 12:50:11
My Score:

I've been anticipating this for a while and bought it soon as I read this review. Fucking awesome. Reminds me of early Failure and later Helmet.

Posted by kirbypuckett on 2005-10-15 11:40:15

Completely irrelevant and worthless.

-Scott

On LP and Compact Disc?

- Kirby

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 4:44 AM (EDT)
My Score:

I can't believe you A-holes reviewed this garbage. Review some good albums. Give me something interesting. Please.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 12:20 AM (EDT)

That Superdude comment was the comment of the year. Hands down. Ive never laughed that hard.

Gallopingcore has been established.

-Sirens

Posted by LevitateMe on 2005-10-14 19:23:14

haha Insitute X

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 7:22 PM (EDT)

man, bush is so cool. i love it when he's like, 'hehehe' or 'the terrorists will not succeed in their global campaign of terror,' punctuated by more 'hehehehe'. i like it when early 90's bush was all, 'A new world order' and then vomited some brocolli on a japenese ambassador. that was so wicked - 20 guitars sounded one brilliant note when he did that. ass mountain. ass mountain is a good word to describe how much bush rocks.

i also like it when my nose is buried in bush and gets intangled in my beard.

yay bush.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 6:56 PM (EDT)

What's with the album cover?

Dudes kissin' dudes.

- Kirby

Posted by Crookedsuperhero on 2005-10-14 16:46:19
My Score:

Nah.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 2:31 PM (EDT)

i love bush, havent heard this - slightly interested but not enough cash to commit just yet

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 1:41 PM (EDT)

What, they didn't have it in the budget for Unicorns?

- Little Guy

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 1:16 PM (EDT)

that cover is so bad

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 1:15 PM (EDT)

I love you superdude

Posted by superdude on 2005-10-14 10:53:10

This review was pretty good, but here's how I would make it better:

1. Is this in the galloping section too?

2. Is this scene something I should familiarize myself with more?

3. Shouldn't it be called Institute X?

4. I've seen Mission Impossibe! Have you seen MI2? OMG!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 10:45 AM (EDT)

Wow, I don't think I'd like this band regardless, but that cover art seals the deal.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 10:20 AM (EDT)

I would like to say that this was a well written review and I agree completely that "Bullet Proof Skin" and "Ambulance" are the best songs on the album.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 10:18 AM (EDT)

what the hell is up with the horses. that just looks contrived.
-letschorock

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 10:09 AM (EDT)

God, I havn't even heard this yet, and don't know if I ever will...but it's exsistence makes me happy. Get rid of all this bullshit pop punk lease Mr. Rossdale. I wonder how people would react to this if he wasn't from Bush, but was just some no name?

Posted by xblakeyoung on 2005-10-14 06:16:39
My Score:

This sounds nothing like Bush... The only thing that remotely sounds like Bush is his voice. I personally like this record. It's one of the better rock records to come out that actually are worth anything. I'm glad to see Gavin do something different than Bush. They sucked hard.

Posted by lew_1987 on 2005-10-14 06:16:25

no way near as good as bush...

Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2005-10-14 06:09:08

it's cool you like this, i'm not gonna bust your balls about it. i just hate his voice so much. "Glycerin" is one of my most hated songs of all time. they tried to force that song donw my thorat back when i stillw atched MTV. i don't think i ever got over it.

half a star is pretty over the top, i'd honestly give this a 4 or 5. it just will not hold my attention, for whatever reason.

Posted by thirtyseconds on 2005-10-14 05:53:35

Ha ha... I got an ed's note. I don't know what your radio is like but over here, nu-metal is long gone from the airwaves.

Posted by thirtyseconds on 2005-10-14 05:51:45

Woah, you lot are harsh. I know 8 stars is a bit high, but I typed this out while I was in bed with the wife and everything in the world seemed all happy and pretty at the time. I like the cover art and I like the album. I can't defend my review writing skills, even I cringe... but hey, I like having a go.

Scott, boombox is a great song. Suppose I better stop going on as I am clearly the only person in the world who likes this album and I'm starting to look quite odd.

Posted by AlmostPunkEnough on 2005-10-14 05:13:33
My Score:

who let the British guy review this?? (although i do normally agree with mr. thirtyseconds.) anyway, this is fucking awful. it's a tad of a step-up from Bush, but that's like saying shit tastes better with a light coating of turkey gravy.

Orange 9mm isn't great (though i loved them back when i was stupider than i am now), but they're infinitley better than this.

awful.

Posted by Dante3000 on 2005-10-14 01:52:44

I'll be honest...I just couldn't read this fucking review. I don't know why. It seemed too large and daunting, so I never started.

And what the fuck is with that cover art? Is this a fucking hair metal album? I expect white knights and some shit...Terrible.
-Dante

Posted by soulbleed on 2005-10-14 01:42:56

never listened to this, but orange9mm used to rock.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 1:32 AM (EDT)
My Score:

Whatever happened to having worthwhile cover art? I remember a time when shitty bands at least had good cover art.

Prog rock bands in particular, couldn't stand listening to them, but their covers were cool to look at; or at least looked like a lot of time and craft went into creating them. Now shitty bands can't even be bothered to do even that! Instead they're content to photoshop something that looks like it was crapped out of the wrong side of a Successories poster. White Horses? Is Gavin Rossdale a 8-year old girl?

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 14, 2005 at 1:18 AM (EDT)

what the fuck is this ridiculous piece of shit band doing on here? they were on tour recently and charged 25 dollars. fuck these no talent ass clowns.

Posted by maverick on 2005-10-14 00:54:11
My Score:

This record sucked hard. I can't believe you gave it four stars. I couldn't even get all the way through it (I stopped at that terrible "Boombox" song).

Completely irrelevant and worthless.

-Scott

Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2005-10-14 00:21:08
My Score:

i see your four stars and shit in their general direction

- jones the bones

- stevejones8770@yahoo.com