The Post-Grunge-Combo extends its second spring with arm-spreading chorus. 31 years after her multiple platinum debut Sixteen Stone Bush presented her tenth album. An album, which extends the second spring that started with The Kingdom (2020) under the leadership of front man, main songwriter and the only personnel constant Gavin Rossdale.
Recommendations of the editorial team
Not as surprisingly hard and sometimes metal-martial as before, Rossdale chooses the more introverted content of I Beat Loneliness, which thematically revolves around mental health, loneliness and transformation, and thus reminds of industrial insignia and reminiscent of the border gear between Electronica and Alternative Rock, the Stabbing Westward once in 2001 with their album of the same name. However, Rossdale and recruits, of course, get the whole thing in view of arm-spreading choruses such as that of “We’re all the same on the inside”.
The fact that pain and anger pave the way for more open vulnerability and thus more tranquil songs fits the psychological plot with depth premise, as the creator of a Grungs-Powerballad such as “Glycerine” offers the opportunity, for example on the outstandingly hymnic double of “Everyone Is Broken” and “Don’t be afraid” also the gentle tones of to strike therapeutic self -reflection.
This review was first published in the MusikExpress 08/2025.