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From Post Grunge to Emo Rock
Strange kettle of fish, Bush; Born and bred in the UK, they become mega in the States before anybody starts taking notice back home. And the English Press hate them for it. Somewhere in the mid-nineties, New Musical Express even brands “most hated band”. Ah, music hacks! In 1992, before forming Bush, Robin Goodridge, Dave Parsons, Nigel Pulsford and Gavin Rossdale are just sort of fooling around in different bands in and around the London music scene. Unhappy with the way things are going they decide to give it a shot: Bush head straight for Los Angeles to make it big. Still, for the production of debut album “Sixteen Stone” (1995) fellow countrymen Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley (Madness, Stranglers, Elvis Costello) are summoned. Reviews are merely so-so, but the punters clearly think the band is the dog’s bollocks: eight million copies change hands. But Bush value credibility; hence the hiring of Steve Albini (Big Black, Pixies, Nirvana), guitar guru and credibility made flesh. “Razorblade Suitcase” (1996) scores slightly better in the review department, and sells another shitload of records. The band win the 1996 MTV Video Awards and front hunk Gavin Rossdale’s private life becomes tabloid fodder. Is he doing it with Courtney Love? Well, what about No Doubt’s Gwen Stefani then? Bush decide to ignore the press, and work hard. “The Science of Things” premieres on Woodstock 1999, but lacks something. Too much electronics disguise the Rockband, and the result is a half-baked album. Back to the drawing board and the basics. “Golden State” (2001) harks back to the days when Bush did what they do best: emotional guitar-driven Rock with start-stop dynamics, heartfelt vocals and hooks that could catch a 30-ton whale. In spite of sneering Rock critics, Bush are still burning. Extra! Extra! Read all about it: Nigel Pulsford has left the band. His shoes will be filled by Chris Traynor (ex-Helmet).