Distort Yourself

Distort Yourself
Studio album by Institute
Released	September 13, 2005
Recorded	2004-2005
Genre	Alternative rock
Length	51:07
Label	Interscope
Producer	Gavin Rossdale, Page Hamilton

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]
Saviours of Rock	[2]

Distort Yourself is the debut and sole album by Institute, a band featuring former Bush's frontman Gavin Rossdale.

Background

Institute was formed in 2004 in the wake of a hiatus of lead singer Gavin Rossdale's other band, Bush. Rossdale formed Institute with Chris Traynor (who had previously played with bands including Bush and Helmet) after Bush agreed upon taking a break after their last album, Golden State. The two later enlisted the help of bassist Cache Tolman (of Rival Schools fame) and drummer Josh Freese. Freese was only enlisted temporarily. Rossdale later recruited Charlie Walker (known for his work with Split Lip and Chamberlain, in addition to a temporary stint in Helmet) to take Freese's spot and round out the band.

Production

After reuniting with Interscope Records (Interscope released Bush's first three albums), Rossdale started work on Distort Yourself with Interscope Producer and Helmet frontman, Page Hamilton. Rossdale chose Hamilton to produce the band's debut album after being told Hamilton could provide the guitar sound that he was looking for. Though not known for producing rock ballads,^{[citation needed]} Hamilton also proved keen towards Rossdale's lighter songs, such as "Ambulances", which features Gavin's wife Gwen Stefani, singer of No Doubt and successful solo artist.

Release and reception

The album was released on September 13, 2005 and debuted at #81 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts with first week sales slightly over 12,000. Total U.S. sales as of April 2008 were only 54,000 copies.^[3]

"Bullet Proof Skin" served as the album's single which reached #26 on both the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart and on the Billboard Modern Rock Chart. It had considerable radio airplay upon release and, in September 2005, was performed live on nearly every late night television program^[4] as well as The Tyra Banks Show.^[5] The song was featured on the Stealth soundtrack and the video game NHL 06. A music video was also filmed for it, directed by Kevin Kerslake who has done videos for Nirvana and Green Day.

Track listing

All songs written by Gavin Rossdale, except where noted.

1. "Bullet Proof Skin" (Rossdale, Photek) - 4:25
2. "When Animals Attack" - 4:00
3. "Come On Over" - 3:58
4. "Information Age" (Rossdale, Chris Traynor) - 3:42
5. "Wasteland" - 4:18
6. "Boom Box" - 4:36
7. "Seventh Wave" - 4:23
8. "The Heat of Your Love" - 3:33
9. "Ambulances" - 4:35
10. "Secrets and Lies" - 4:58
11. "Mountains" - 4:05
12. "Save the Robots" - 4:29

Non-album tracks

• "The Art of Walking" can be found on the "Bullet Proof Skin" limited-edition vinyl single
• "Buzz of My System" can be found on the UK release of Distort Yourself
• "God Gave Us Land" can be found on the UK release of Distort Yourself

Band members

• Gavin Rossdale (Vocals, Guitar)
• Chris Traynor (Guitar)
• Cache Tolman (Bass)
• Charlie Walker (drums)

References

1. ↑ Allmusic review
2. ↑ Saviours of Rock review
3. ↑ [1] Billboard Online. Retrieved April 15, 2008.
4. ↑ Videos Gavin-Rossdale.Net. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
5. ↑ Tyra rocks out with Gavin TyraShow.WarnerBros.com. Retrieved March 13, 2008.

External links

• Institute's Official Website
• Institute Fansite