Is it possible to separate ourselves from our past? Can we forget our personal histories and begin to write a fresh, renewed chapter of our lives? Even if we close the door on our past can we ensure that it will remain locked? These are questions Bully explore with their new track, “Prism”— a pensive take on the struggles inherent in learning to overcome past trauma or at least trying to coexist with it.
“Prism” is on the slower tempo, ruminative side of Bully’s third album, SUGAREGG, but nevertheless carries immense power. It seems to combine the best elements of the 90s alt-rock subgenres its sound is reminiscent of. With crunchy guitars and vocalist, Alicia Bognanno’s raspy, emotive vocals, this track cultivates an all-encompassing gritty ambiance akin to that created by dream pop and shoegaze groups like My Bloody Valentine as well as the stripped-back, hard rock drive of noise rock groups like Dinosaur Jr. This sound cultivates an intimate urgency that only further drives “Prism’s” message.
In an email to The FADER, Bognanno said that this track “is about the process of letting go and realizing which aspects continue to resonate as time passes.” However, this process seems to yield great strife for her.
Can’t feel your pain like before now it’s
Just vaguely a shadow waiting outside the door but it
Just keeps coming up I was close almost in the clear
These recurring feelings of anguish are only exacerbated as the song progresses, as Bognanno searches for and utilizes various coping mechanisms to subdue the past’s encroaching influence.
There is nothing I can do but relax and move on
Unsettled deep breaths trying to reel in the calm
You should take it you should take it you should take it, okay
With a mean glass of water, I swallow and it fades
Yet regardless of the past-stricken lyrics which create an obvious strain for Bognanno, “Prism” and the album SUGAREGG as a whole represent a new personal and musical chapter in her life. This album feels like the most raw exploration of Bully’s sound to date. Their hard rock drive is only further delved into with this album, as evident by the ever-fuzzy guitars and the both lighthearted and moody tone which feels deeply rooted in the rich history of 90s alt (perhaps the only past-related topic that isn’t scorned upon in this track). Furthermore, Bognanno’s raspy vocals carry a special emotive urgency that increases the relatability of the struggle “Prism” conveys. Thus, as Bognanno’s voice peaks to soft, frustrated yells at the chorus, it’s hard not to want to scream with her.
It’s also difficult to refrain from yelling for Bognanno in a celebratory manner. She mentioned that this album was the first created since finding medication for her bipolar 2 disorder, which according to a press release for the album allowed for a greater sense of freedom in regards to songwriting. Thus, Bognanno brings a renewed level of self-awareness and understanding to this album that when consumed along with Bully’s other works gives listeners a front-row seat to a stunning sonic and lyrical evolution. But perhaps an even greater object of praise is the fact that in being so transparent with her struggles Bognanno provides a sense of community for those in a similar boat, and her artful album SUGAREGG only further makes her story more accessible.
So, as I blast “Prism” and the rest of SUGAREGG from my speakers at max volume in an attempt to match My Bloody Valentine’s trademark earsplitting concerts, I not only get an intimate look into Bognanno’s growth as a songwriter and a person but also the comfort that the struggles of overcoming one’s baggage and learning to renew ourselves are communal. For as Bognanno sings, there is nothing I can do but relax and move on.
