Song of the Day: Bully – Feel The Same

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “Feel The Same” by Bully from the album Losing, available now via Sub Pop Records.

Bully – Feel The Same (MP3)

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day once observed that when masturbation has lost its fun you're, well, rather bored. Bully frontwoman Alicia Bognanno can no doubt relate.

On the lead-off track to her band's new album Losing, the singer can't seem to get out of her funk. New haircut? "I feel the same," she replies with a J Mascis-like languid drawl that sounds both deeply passionate and a little out of it. Self-love? Doesn't help either. Wondering what they're up to and if they're ok? Definitely not helping. Only the feedback-soaked punk racket that she and the rest of the band cook up seems to do anything to lift Bognanno's mood, but by the end, she's back to obsessing about the one who's missing.

The Nashville-based Bognanno has a degree in audio engineering from Middle Tennessee State University and interned at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio studios, and seems to have studied how he made magic happen with the Pixies, Nirvana, and PJ Harvey. She engineered and mixed Losing, giving their portraits of growing up and confronting constant confusion a punchy, stripped-down power that hits hard and leaves a lovely melodic aftertaste.

Bully will hit Seattle on Wednesday, February 28th at Neumos. In the meantime, check out a video for today's featured song below, created by Lazy Mom, a collaborative food-focused project of artists Josie Keefe and Phyllis Ma. In a press release, Bognanno states, "I have been a huge fan of Lazy Mom for a few years now. Their ability to make vibrant, colorful art out of everyday objects amazes me. If you enjoy this video I HIGHLY recommend you check out their zine."