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Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum rock group BUSH has unveiled the track “The Land Of Milk And Honey” from their forthcoming album, “I Beat Loneliness”, set to release on July 18 via earMUSIC.
BUSH frontman Gavin Rossdale describes the new single: “‘The Land Of Milk And Honey’ serves as a thrilling journey into the essence of the new album, ‘I Beat Loneliness’. It’s designed to be played at full volume — to free and elevate the spirit. That’s its essence.”
A press release notes that “the track acts as a bold anthem of defiance — both personal and political — delving into the illusion of freedom in a world dominated by influence, obsession, and alienation.”
Produced by Rossdale and Erik Ron (PANIC! AT THE DISCO, SET IT OFF, BAD OMEN), “I Beat Loneliness” represents BUSH‘s tenth studio album — a compelling showcase of the band’s lasting legacy and ongoing evolution. The album merges their grunge-infused intensity with new textures and themes focused on mental health, solitude, and resilience.
This past April, BUSH debuted “60 Ways To Forget People” as the first glimpse of “I Beat Loneliness”. Rossdale remarked at that time: “This record tackles the universal struggles we all face. ’60 Ways To Forget People’ is a tribute to sacrifice and the dedication needed to improve oneself — consistently and in every aspect.”
“I Beat Loneliness” track listing:
01. Scars
02. I Beat Loneliness
03. The Land Of Milk And Honey
04. We’re All The Same On The Inside
05. I Am Here To Save Your Life
06. 60 Ways To Forget People
07. Love Me Till The Pain Fades
08. We Are Of This Earth
09. Everyone Is Broken
10. Don’t Be Afraid
11. Footsteps In The Sand
12. Rebel With A Cause
BUSH will embark on a North American tour from July 19 to August 30, before traveling abroad to join VOLBEAT for a series of performances across Europe from September 18 until November 13.
In a recent interview with São Paulo, Brazil’s 89 FM A Rádio Rock radio station, Rossdale expressed about the 12 tracks on “I Beat Loneliness”: “I understand that many say no one cares about full albums anymore and that it’s all about singles, but I believe if I admire an act or a band, I want to explore their complete work. I’m a musician, so I want to hear all 12 ideas, rather than just one. I’m genuinely excited for that. However, I realize most folks tend to listen to one song and then move on, given the abundance of bands. But I’m very excited about the album.”
When questioned about what fans can expect from the new BUSH album, Gavin described: “It aligns closely with [2022’s] ‘The Art Of Survival’ and [2020’s] ‘The Kingdom’—highly detuned and heavy, yet there are moments of brightness. It doesn’t dwell in angst throughout; it’s very centered on mental health and well-being, reflecting the increasing struggles people face. Music often serves as a form of therapy. It’s essential to explore heavy themes in these songs, while still incorporating hope and uplifting elements. I aim for people to enjoy our performances and leave with a great experience. It’s not a gloomy collection; it portrays how we combat challenges.”
Gavin also delved into the inspiration behind the “I Beat Loneliness” title, stating: “I appreciate that title — it’s also a song — because anyone feeling a hint of melancholy, which is completely normal; sometimes you’re upbeat, other times you reflect on sadness. Embracing reflection is vital. One can’t be unendingly cheerful like a maniac, so the concept of beating loneliness is intriguing—it’s essentially impossible. But if one feels as if they’ve overcome it, it signifies a moment of respite, albeit temporary, as those feelings eventually return. I like this notion since it touches on the impossibility of it all.”
In January, Rossdale told Regina, Saskatchewan’s 104.9 The Wolf radio station about “I Beat Loneliness”: “I’m absolutely excited about the record. It means a lot to me as I’m genuinely proud of it. I believe those who appreciate our work will connect deeply, and we may even attract some new fans. It feels wonderful to be proud of an album without the nagging feeling of ‘I should’ve done this or that.’ I think it’s fulfilling.”
Earlier in January, Gavin discussed “I Beat Loneliness” with iHeartRadio‘s JD Lewis, saying: “It’s one of those curious titles; it’s infinite since overcoming loneliness is impossible—you can only manage to do it momentarily.”
“I believe our bond as a band and our power emerges from connecting with many fans, allowing them to relate to the music and lyrics in their unique ways,” he added. “We’ve crafted this framework for people over the years.
“Mental health has increasingly become a prominent topic in current discussions — people frequently engage in conversations about wellness. Since the inception of BUSH, I have always focused on the human condition — expressing complaints, hopes, disappointments, and aspirations. It’s just a part of living.
“Many individuals are struggling immensely, making the title quite ironic, I felt,” Rossdale reflected. “When that thought struck me, I was amazed by its beauty. I appreciate the sentiment of claiming you’ve conquered loneliness because everyone experiences melancholy. I view it as a healthy mechanism that enables reflection and gratitude for the good times. I’m inherently optimistic — not negative — so I believe one must traverse stormy periods to reach the brighter moments. Thus, the title resonated with me.”
Rossdale also emphasized the importance of youth mental health, particularly in reference to his three sons Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo. He remarked: “I find it crucial, especially considering the impact of COVID, which robbed children of their social experiences. Those formative years where they were to learn social skills were taken away. I’ve observed this with my own children. There’s been a significant struggle for kids to adapt to socialization since they missed those formative experiences. We didn’t grow up in a pandemic, which makes it particularly poignant. This scenario really touches me, as there’s cruelty among kids — bullying and ostracization. The world can be a terrifying place for that.”
Gavin then elaborated on the hazards of social media, portraying it as a distorted reflection of society, akin to a funhouse mirror shaped by a small yet vocal group of extreme outliers.
“Social media creates expectations, leading individuals to feel unfulfilled as they gaze at Instagram or similar platforms showcasing idealized lives, which we all know can appear hollow despite their underlying issues,” he explained. “This portrayal makes it easy for people to get swept into a competitive mindset, feeling compelled to keep pace with friends. I, too, find myself looking at Instagram and thinking, ‘I need to enhance my life.’ But I remind myself, ‘No, don’t fall for that. Your life is great as it is.’ This misperception can be incredibly perilous for kids, leading them to think they are in the wrong place at the wrong time, while others are thriving. That mentality is deeply concerning.”
Rossdale also previously discussed the “I Beat Loneliness” title during a December 2024 interview with Voice Of America‘s (VOA) “Border Crossings”. Reflecting on the album title, the 59-year-old musician commented: “I believe everyone grapples with struggles constantly.” He continued: “It’s interesting, as I look back over my career and the songs I’ve penned; it’s often said that most songwriters essentially write the same song repeatedly, and my ongoing theme revolves around mental health considerations and emotional navigation amidst life’s myriad challenges. People possess a multitude of hidden struggles, putting on brave faces to cope. The alarming rise in suicide rates, particularly among military personnel, with men being three times as likely to take their own lives compared to women, signifies that many are in pain. My role in life, akin to a Japanese concept of purpose, is to compose songs that address people’s feelings. Ironically, when I began my journey, it wasn’t like this. Complaining was the order of the day in songs, yet I’ve always sought to weave in hope, community connection, and kindness.
“So ‘I Beat Loneliness’ is perhaps my best title yet, as it’s self-defeating in its very essence,” he concluded. “Claiming to have defeated loneliness implies you’re a deeply melancholic individual who managed it for a brief moment, only for it to return like an uninvited guest. That notion of bravado resonates— it embodies strength against adversity.”
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of BUSH‘s six-times-platinum debut album, “Sixteen Stone”.
Last summer, BUSH celebrated three decades with an extensive North American headlining tour titled “Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour”, commencing on July 26 in Bend, Oregon, featuring performances at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Most of the tour was managed by Live Nation, with Jerry Cantrell and CANDLEBOX appearing as special guests.
BUSH released “Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023” in November 2023 through Round Hill Records. This compilation included a new single titled “Nowhere To Go But Everywhere”, co-written by Gavin and produced collaboratively by Rossdale and Corey Britz.
With over 24 million records sold, 1.1 billion streams, and a succession of No. 1 hits, the band — consisting of Rossdale, Chris Traynor (guitar), Corey Britz (bass), and Nik Hughes (drums) — remains a formidable presence, continually expanding their legacy over the years. “Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023” (Round Hill Records), their debut greatest-hits collection, gives an expansive view of their remarkable history, featuring 21 tracks that span nearly three decades—from their breakthrough hit “Everything’s Zen” to the aforementioned “Nowhere To Go But Everywhere.”
“Loaded” encompasses notable tracks from each of BUSH‘s nine studio albums, including “Mouth” (The Stingray Mix) from the 1997 remix album “Deconstructed” and a limited-release cover of THE BEATLES‘ “Come Together.”
BUSH originally disbanded in 2002 but reunited in 2010, subsequently releasing five albums: “The Sea of Memories” (2011), “Man On The Run” (2014), “Black And White Rainbows” (2017), as well as “The Kingdom” and “The Art Of Survival.”
“Black And White Rainbows” was produced following Rossdale‘s divorce from pop star and television judge Gwen Stefani in 2015.
Photo credit: Joseph Llanes
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