Speaking from his London home, Rossdale told The Post he was concerned about flying to America because of terror-ist activity. But, like a man in love, added, "I'm more concerned about being away from Gwen."

Because of Bush's signature fire-in-the-belly brand of rock, you might expect Rossdale to be a brash guy.

In conversation he's polite, thoughtful and not defensive at all, which is noteworthy, considering Bush has been slagged by the media as a Pearl Jam rip-off act for years.

Although that old criticism stung Bush, leading the band to abandon its grunge-inspired sound in the mid-'90s, Bush is toying again with the storm-to-calm sound on its new album, "Golden State," due out Tuesday.

"After doing 'Sixteen Stone,' I didn't want to copy that record. That gets you in a ton of trouble. Now that Bush has had its maverick journey through the landscape of rock records, ['Golden State'] brings us back full circle."

Rossdale told The Post it's "a naked record, a rock record."

He's right. It is the edgiest collection of songs the band has released since its famous debut.

Post: The new record sounds very aggressive. Was that your intent?

Rossdale: When we started to set this album down, we'd just come through a difficult year. We changed management, we changed record labels and we felt that the last record was like running in quicksand. We felt a little used by some people and a little weird. So with this record we just came out fighting.

Post: How did that feel?

Rossdale: It felt good. We felt confident again.

Post: Why was the song "Speed Kills" given a name change to "The People That We Love"?

Rossdale: What happened was the terrorist attacks. We felt in the light of such a terrible time that "Speed Kills" was a bad title. "Speed Kills" is a snappier title, but it wasn't right anymore.

Post: One of the best new songs is "Out of This World." Could you talk about it?

Rossdale: Now, that's a cerebral one. I wrote that while I was in L.A., and it is an incredibly appropriate song for these times. Listen to the opening line: "When we die, we go into the arms of those who remember us."

Post: When you listen to your old records, what do you think of young Bush?

Rossdale: To get ready for the tour, I did that. It's an interesting journey listening to them all. I found it pretty intense.

Post: Did you like what you heard?

Rossdale: I was able to listen to them with distance and I really felt for that guy who was singing those songs. He was so passionate. He's kind of a shit -, and kind of good. I like that, but isn't that the way you're supposed to be when you're in your 20s?

Post: Does having someone like Gwen, who knows the music business, make it easier or harder?

Rossdale: When we first got together, it would seem to have been a terrible match, wouldn't it?

Post: Why?

Rossdale: We lived 5,000 miles apart, and we are both incredibly busy, for starters. Musicians in successful bands usually find partners who are more flexible in their lives - time wise, travel wise.

Post: So why does it work with Gwen?

Rossdale: Well, she's perfect.

Post: Good answer. How about being in the same business?

Rossdale: I love the fact that we both do the same job. It makes us very connected, so we understand each other. She may understand me even more than the guys in the band because she sings, too.

Post: Any lead singer jealousies between you both?

Rossdale: No. In fact, she may be more excited about the new album coming out than I am.

Post: When you guys are home for a quite dinner, who cooks?

Rossdale: I do, always. See, we're the perfect couple. I cook, she eats. That's what Gwen says, at least. I love cooking. I find it really therapeutic. Being able to cook is the best hobby, the only one where you can share. I love when my friends are together eating a meal I've made.

Post: It's like making a record?

Rossdale: A little, but you have to do the dishes after making a meal.