In typical British fashion we go out of our way to mock bands that happened to find success outside Blighty. Bush are a classic example although their derision by certain sections of the media has more to do with the band's rise without the usual support structure the media offers.
Miffed maybe but pretty much undeterred, Bush have forged an upwards trajectory that's arguably failed to fulfil their full potential after the impact of their debut '16 Stone' album. However, nearly a decade since they formed, 'Golden State' is that elusive career-defining album. As a second album this would have shot Bush to superstar status beyond their wildest dreams.
'Golden State' is a product of a band learning, evolving and simply getting better. With rock currently enjoying an intergalactic profile and similar bands like Puddle Of Mudd and Staind enjoying record-breaking sales, the time is once again ripe for Bush to seize the initiative and you wouldn't bet against it.
Bush are clearly an invigorated band purging record company, management and producers in the process of making this album and, in frontman Gavin Rossdale, they have a genuine rock star who's songwriting remains undiminished by his increased celebrity profile.
Surprisingly 'Golden State' is a diverse record flipping from themes of isolation to love; transition to desolation. It's all bedded on a finely honed, but thankfully not overproduced, sound with an abundance of crisp guitar riffs and melodies littering every track.
'Solutions' opens the album and immediately signals the band's intention to have you sit up and listen. It's not trademark Bush (that comes later) but an intense atmospheric affair that envelops you. The excellent single 'Speed Kills', 'Hurricane' and 'Reasons' are what you'd expect with the addition of rather more punishing guitar onslaughts while the hushed 'Inflatable' and 'Out Of This World' are equally hard-hitting but propelled by Rossdale's breathy vocals and haunting backing.
'Golden State' is easily the band's most accomplished record and should stand as one of the best British rock albums of 2001.
