Bully

Feels Like (2015)

nickEp

“I Remember,” the first song on the debut full length from Nashville’s Bully, is aptly titled. So is the album name Feels Like. These tens songs are so reminiscent of '90s alternative rock, with all its power and ferociousness, that one could almost use the term grunge again. Bully, who had to be very young in those days, found a way to take that sound and make something of their own.

The lure is singer/guitarist Alicia Bognanno’s gritty voice. It's so raw and emotive, like a young Courtney Love in only the good ways. But her vocals find balance. When she wants to shred her chords, she can (and it’s the best!), but also easily makes the transition to angsty melodies. “I Remember” is a standout as is “Trying,” the most '90s-sounding track on the album. Some of these songs have been repurposed from last year’s self-titled EP. But for those of you who missed that, myself included, Feels Like catches you up quickly.

The gooey center of the album is young adult malaise. From the attitude to their subject matter, Bully screams youth. The song “Six” specifically refers to the age when Bognanno broke her sister’s arm but adds a snotty “fuck those jerks” for good measure. “Bully” literally talks about playground abuse complete with an all too familiar, “No, not today!” Scabs, puking, partying and periods all play a part in Bognanno's ability to turn any of her experiences into a listenable rock song. The music stays as raw and fun and the lyrics, never overdone or too calculated. It helps that Bognanno studied under ultra-talented curmudgeon Steve Albini. It seems she learned a perfect balance -- produced enough to sound big but not enough to sound flashy.

Feels Like is a great summer record. It brings to mind Japandroids, another band who puts their own spin on the often stale subject of what it's like to be young. Both bands make it look effortless, going with sing-alongs and energy over weighty ideas and pretension. What you get is a great rock and roll record.