BULLS - BULLS

BULLS

BULLS
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

​By Ted Rogen

BULLS is a three-piece band from Texas that has been playing music on and off for the last two decades. The band hasn’t released much music. In fact the only thing to my knowledge is their self-titled EP BULLS that features two songs and runs just six minutes in length. 

The band plays raw noise rock that can draw comparisons to bands like Liars, early Sonic Youth and even a band like The Stooges. My only complaint is that there isn’t more music because the short duration left me hungry for more. 

The first track “DIV” features a swampy bass lines and exceptionally creative drumming. Ominous guitar picking enters the mix and the vocalist sings, “I don’t care where you live.” The guitars become abrasive and jagged but in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. As the song progresses the energy is frantic and brims with spontaneity. The band is way too sharp to be considered sloppy but it seems obvious that the band is just playing off each other rather than a metronome.

The first song “DIV” was good but “PISS” was great. There are certainly some similarities to Sonic Youth during their Daydream Nation phase. The beginning is a dynamic wave of white noise that is propelled by the drumming. There are a good amount of changes throughout the song as the band explores dissonance and harmony. The song goes by quickly but there is a good amount of mayhem that the band is able to pull off quite effectively.

All the cogs in this machine fit. The vocalist’s delivery, which feels like it was done in one take is a key element to making their music work. It’s just the opposite of the vocals you hear on mainstream radio, which are pristine and perfectly produced. For me the former feels infinitely more heartfelt and authentic.

The only thing I ask of the band is to get back in the studio. Two songs simply isn’t enough music of this caliber.

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