Nashville’s Bully are pretty new on the scene, having released their first EP this time last year. We caught them after a lively set at this past spring’s SXSW and have been eager for more of their pristine fusion of punk and pop since.
The A-side of the group’s new 7″, “Milkman”, confirms that no energy has been lost. Asserting itself somewhere between the stylings of Cloud Nothings and Swearin’, the sound is super refined—owing in part to singer/guitarist Alicia Bognanno’s sound engineering background and in part to the precision of the drums and fuzzy electric guitars. It’s a big, eager rush to the head with Bognanno’s clear, sharp vocals and the urgent percussive line. The song clinches it at the middle when her voice is isolated against the drums and she sings the rare but relatable line, “I could be a milkman, or I could get up and I could be what I want to be.” The track expands into a high-powered frenzy of noodling guitars and from then on, it’s all energy coursing through.
The “Milkman” b/w “Faceblind” 7″ is out now on Chicken Ranch Records. Bully is currently touring with Drowners. They’ll be playing CMJ next week, then they’re off to play a couple of shows with Kevin Drew.
Bully Tour Dates:
October:
17 New Orleans, LA – Circle Bar*
18 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade*
20 Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506*
21 Washington, DC – Rock & Roll Hotel*
22 Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle*
23 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge (High Road Touring CMJ Showcase)
23 New York, NY – Pianos (Siren Sounds PR CMJ Showcase)
25 Brooklyn, NY – Shea Stadium (DoNYC CMJ Showcase)
November:
04 Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig^
05 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall^
* with Drowners
^ with Kevin Drew
