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Pity Bush. No sooner had they come together as four young Brits who loved hard rock than they were thrust into the labyrinth of fame like a quartet of helpless mice. Without substantial time to develop an identity, a sound, a character, or an attitude, they were forced to grow up under wary public and critical scrutiny, in the wake of Sixteen Stone's immense, seven-times-platinum success. They've been on the defensive ever since.

That said, Razorblade Suitcase is a record Bush had to make if they have any intention of developing a distinct musical vision and attitude. It's an abrasive, uncompromising work of passionate hard rock that pushes the band closer to a sound of its own, serving the sonic statement: "See, we do know who we are and where we're going."

Produced by the currently out-of-favor Steve Albini (a brilliant choice, which also helps the band look like they think for themselves), Razorblade Suitcase has the majestic edge of unadorned alternative guitar scratched all over it. "Personal Holloway," the opener, recalls the buzzing feel of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll," while the first single, "Swallowed," and "A Tendency To Start Fires" have a Pixies feel. That's no coincidence, considering that Albini produced Surfer Rosa, the Pixies' masterpiece. While it is long, Razorblade Suitcase doesn't lose much steam on the back half, as Albini gives the material some additional breathing room. Both "Straight No Chaser" and "Bone Driven" have sweet cello tracks, and "Distant Voices" and "Mouth" settle down effectively before revving up with the guitars of Nigel Pulsford and Gavin Rossdale. In all, the album is a fine effort, and if it had any other band's name on the cover, critics would be lauding rather than dismissing it.