With the closure of multi-platinum Grunge act BUSH's career, high profile frontman Gavin Rossdale finally announced the band title for his new venture in June of 2004 as INSTITUTE. The 'Distort Yourself' album, which features songwriting and production contributions from HELMET leader Page Hamilton, would be recorded in New York during August. Musicians employed on the recordings comprised BUSH and HELMET guitarist Chris Traynor, bassist Cache Tolman of RIVAL SCHOOLS and Josh Freese of A PERFECT CIRCLE, INFECTIOUS GROOVES, PEARL JAM and GUNS N' ROSES repute on drums.

SPLIT LIP and CHAMBERLAIN drummer Charlie Walker would be enlisted as the band's touring drummer for debut live dates in August, preceded by the single 'Bullet-Proof Skin'. The album debuted at no. 81 on the national US charts. Gigs in the USA saw valuable supports to U2 in October and November.