The Art of Survival cover

The Art of Survival

Bush · 2022

48 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A powerful blend of post-grunge riffs and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of resilience and survival.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Heavy Is the Ocean Start here — This opening track sets a contemplative tone for the album, combining heavy instrumentals with reflective lyrics that examine the weight of existence.
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    More Than Machines — With its poignant commentary on humanity's relationship with technology, this track showcases Bush's ability to fuse hard-hitting rock with thoughtful social critique.
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    Judas Is a Riot — This energetic anthem stands out for its raw intensity and lyrical boldness, capturing a sense of rebellion that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't significantly innovate within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the second half shifts to more subdued arrangements with introspective lyrics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective journey
  • melancholic melodies for introspection
  • gritty riffs with emotional depth
  • resilient themes of human struggle
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity in Bush's sound after several years.
Career context
Released on October 7, 2022, 'The Art of Survival' marks Bush's eighth studio album and their first since 2017's 'Black and White Rainbows.' This album comes at a time when Bush is reestablishing their sound in the contemporary rock landscape, continuing to evolve from their 90s roots while addressing modern themes.

Tracklist

  • 1 Heavy Is the Ocean Start here 5:12
  • 2 Slow Me 3:48
  • 3 More Than Machines 3:22
  • 4 May Your Love Be Pure 3:21
  • 5 Shark Bite 3:50
  • 6 Human Sand 3:52
  • 7 Kiss Me I’m Dead 3:45
  • 8 Identity 4:30
  • 9 Creatures of the Fire 4:36
  • 10 Judas Is a Riot 4:04
  • 11 Gunfight 3:39
  • 12 1000 Years 4:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata