by Eric Hancsak
October 17, 2005

For me, Institute's debut album "Distort Yourself" was much anticipated. When I heard Gavin Rosdale (Bush) enlisted the producing skills of Page Hamilton (Helmet, David Bowie), and being a fan of both, I thought this is a can't miss. I expected a blistering, heavy rock record with a wall of guitar. Instead, we get a collection of tracks with not much identity that rarely get the opportunity to hit their potential. We do however, get the wall of guitar which, unfortunately, sounds lonely in front of an often punchless rhythm section. On tracks like, "Boom Box," the best on the record, we are teased with a crunchy, kick-you-in-the-teeth riff that never gets the chance to flourish.

Pay attention to: "Boom Box"

Rating: 2 out of 5