Bush Feels Lost on ‘Black and White Rainbows’

Stephanie Hernandez

It’s been twenty-three years since the release of Bush’s wildly successful (in the U.S.) record “Sixteen Stone,” and it seems Gavin Rossdale is still trying to reconcile the group’s fame with his own artistic identity. Seeking to find a sound that would bring the band’s popularity in the States back to their native U.K., and crafting a record that can do this has been the group’s biggest challenge from the start. The push and pull between committing to a more commercial sound or curating something completely individual has caused a bit of a disconnect in their music over the years. Originally becoming a grunge hit due to their loud spirited guitars, dynamic and growling vocals, their latest release “Black and White Rainbows” has seemingly given up on that grit. 

“Black and White Rainbows” unfortunately became Rossdale’s way of trying to make relevant music instead of being true to himself, thus losing any sort of individuality. The end result is a collection of overused power chords, and lyrics either so vague they honestly could be about anything – or so simple they transmute themselves into something utterly unpalatable. Sonically and lyrically too on-the-nose, Bush’s time for making emotionally believable alt-rock has passed. Starting with the record’s opening track, “Mad Love,” with its blend of gentle rock and overall predictable melody begin the album’s descent. From here we get “Water” and “Lost in You,” uncomfortable ballads with mismatched, cheery choruses. What could have showcased their once-magnetic vulnerability instead turns sour. Misplaced acoustic breaks like the one in “All The Worlds Within You,” has a lackluster rhythm that’s difficult to adjust to. “Black and White Rainbows,” in its attempt to sound delicate, ends up feeling contrived and heavy-handed. Every track is sanded down and made too smooth, which makes it difficult to distinguish one song from the other.

It’s obvious that Bush is no longer the band that gave us our favorite 90’s grunge soundtrack. Of its original lineup, only Rossdale and drummer Robin Goodridge remain. Their once-secret weapon, guitarist Nigel Pulsford, possessed a presence that is sorely missed here. His raucous strumming and ability to make even a simple tune sound jarring could have been this record’s saving grace. Without it, “Black and White Rainbows” lacks true dynamism and leaves you feeling unsatisfied. Reminiscent of the music one is used to hearing in a suburban dentist office, this may be the musical equivalent of a root canal.

“Black and White Rainbows”  is available on Apple Music March 10.