Bully’s latest LP, “Losing,” is out on Sub Pop Records, which feels fitting. The Nashville band’s grunge-influenced sound is reminiscent of many artists the label helped popularize during the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Unfortunately, the strong energy Bully brings on this sophomore album does little to make up for its forgettable nature.
On “Losing,” frontwoman Alicia Bognanno establishes her honest and angsty songwriting during the opening track “Feel the Same.” In fewer than two minutes, the song finds an aggressive punk feel with loud, overdriven guitars. Bognanno’s lyrics — “Cut my hair / I feel the same / Masturbate / I feel the same” — communicate her frustrating monotony that explodes into a noisy chorus near the track’s end.
A similar frustrated attitude is found on the track “Kills to be Resistant,” which was released as a single prior to the album’s release. The song’s lyrics focus on the draining aspects of a complicated relationship: “When I’m alone, I stare at your picture / When I’m around you, I try to keep my distance.”
On other songs, like “Spiral,” Bognanno offers up sharp observations. “It just takes one disagreement for you to remember the one time I fucked up,” she sings.
These lyrics seem to be the focus on “Losing,” and they are both vulnerable and self-reflective. On many songs, Bognanno lists a number of her own shortcomings, but at no point does it come off as powerless. Bognanno’s blaring vocals continually give a sense of strength and control.
Musically, Bully finds a good balance between pop and grunge influences. This can be attributed to the band’s attention to dynamics, in addition to the record’s cohesive production.
Bognanno, who interned at Steve Albini’s well-known Electrical Audio studio in Chicago, recorded and mixed the album herself — and her production talents show. There is a noticeable step up in production on this album from the band’s 2015 debut “Feels Like.” On “Losing,” each instrument and vocal track is made clear and distinct without hurting the band’s gritty, fuzz-filled sound.
This only strengthens Bully’s solid rhythm section. Drummer Stewart Copeland — not to be confused with the Police drummer — shines on tracks like “Focused,” offering a solid backbone to Bognanno’s songwriting, alongside bassist Reece Lazarus’ stable playing.
But on a complete listen, a handful of the album’s tracks can tend to blend together. Bully’s sound is definite, yet there is little variation involved between songs. Bognanno’s overdubbed vocals also become excessive at some points, which is distracting and leads to a feeling of overproduction that hurts the band’s intended raw sound.
This album has its enjoyable moments and Bognanno delivers a clear voice, but Bully would have benefitted from taking more risks on this latest release. Unfortunately, “Losing” is a well-made album that can become less interesting on repeat listens.
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