Rock’s continued struggle to survive.
Alicia Bognannobetter known as Bullypresents his fourth studio album, Lucky For Youvia seal Sub Pop. This new material marks the return of the Minnesota native and Nashville resident, after three years of the famous Sugaregg (2020). With his characteristic style as a base, which Bognanno has been perfected throughout almost 10 years of career, and draws directly from different currents such as shoegaze, noise rock, punk and riot grrrl, Bully decides to reinvent itself by changing its production process and expanding its musical spectrum a little, to offer us introspective, political and socially conscious material, addressing issues such as the right to decide, to the battle with our own demons.
With “All I Do” The song that opens the album, melodic, dynamic, immerses us fully in this new sound. A personal chronicle that moves between the alt rock of the late 90’s and the happy punk of the beginning of the new millennium, a style that is beginning to have its revival. Continuing with the clash of rhythms is “Hard To Love”, this time pitting grunge against Britpop. Very marked changes of rhythm, guitars that struggle between melody and noise, are joined by honeyed choruses to round out the best achieved song of the material.
For fans and casual followers over the years, there is the final part of the album, with “Lose You”in which he participates Soccer Mommy, a duo that feels organic and in which both contribute what is necessary without either losing anything. Followed by “Ms. America” an emotional, intimate and minimalist theme, in which Bognanno She gets rid of all the paraphernalia, needing only a couple of guitar chords and her voice, to be as honest and natural as possible.
Lastly, mention “All This Noise” track that closes the album, in the most ferocious way possible, if in the previous one it appeared vulnerable, here it completely unleashes its strength. A firm statement regarding the social situation we currently experience.
In conclusion, it is a good album, which maintains the essence of Bully, but manages to renew the formula with new elements, without risking too much and taking safe steps. The way in which Alicia Bognanno has managed the project over the years, first as a band and then alone, it has been very notable, and this time is no exception. Always sincerely and bravely, Bully It raises the flag of a socially and musically committed genre, which despite what is said, continues to fight and refuses to die.
