Los Angeles – In the awakening of ‘90s alt-rock revivalists, Bully has emerged with the most dynamic sound from the long list of their peers. The secret to Bully’s early buzz and success is Alicia Bognanno. The singer/songwriter/guitarist/engineer/producer masterminded her band’s debut record, Feels Like—a collection of fuzzed out tunes that permeate in the mind long after the first listen. The comprehensive sound shaped by Bognanno, Stewart Copeland, Clayton Parker, and Reece Lazarus feels like an amalgamation of Nirvana and Hole, but this is certainly not a retread by any measure. Feels Like benefits tremendously from its brisk pacing as well as its razor sharp guitars, thunderous drums, and Bognanno’s edgy attitude. The singer/songwriter’s disposition gives off a no care image, but she can back it all up with much tenacity. The Nashville based quartet’s major label debut with Columbia Records is a tightly composed effort that whizzes on by before you can even catch your breath. Nonetheless that’s all part of the excitement as Bully bursts through gates with a completely untamed record.

The less than two-minute gem, “I Remember,” blows by like a freight train. It’s brimming with brashness and coolness. This head-banging piece turns your mood around right away and you’re ready, set for what’s to come. “Reason” hits more of a melodic turn, but sublime nonetheless. Hooks and riffs occupy the surface, while Bognanno digs deeper lyrically. This feels like a more complete track than the first one and it’s displaying Bully’s multifaceted abilities. “Too Tough” is a grungier turn of direction. It still features Bognanno’s hardedge, slacker-like vocals, but navigates through an angst-ridden terrain. “Brainfreeze” is Bully’s main attraction here off Feels Like. The song is reminiscent of a 90s nostalgia piece with major hooks and on a cutting edge. The raw emotion of the alone hits you in the gut on just the first listen. It leaves the listener yearning for more, which works out well since this was only track four.

“Trying” throws many punches, all of which land effectively. It has this youthful aloofness latched onto it. The track may be an initiation to Bognanno’s psyche as the lyrics pierce like a sharp knife in the heart. These fleeting words bring up an identity crisis or the idea of not having anything quite figured out. Feels Like raises questions of youth and lingering uneasiness. “Milkman” is another riot from the band’s collection of penetrating material. It’s an incredibly fresh track that never shows any signs of decelerating.

The track “Bully” gives off a much crisper sound. It’s a livelier pop-punk endeavor that quickly showcases many different sides of the band. The end of the album is brought to you in the form of “Sharktooth.” It’s no surprise the band ends Feels Like with another sleek outing comparable to many of the featured songs off the album. The time spent with Bully is way too short-lived, but coincidentally feels naturally complete. From simplicity to density and aggressiveness to effervescence, Bully travels to the 90s, but ends up coming back with something quite fascinating—or a the very least something that sticks with the listener beyond the initial first listen.

Check out Bully ’s tour dates all summer long on their Facebook.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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