More about: Bull

Bull’s debut album Discover Effortless Living has sprouted from 2021’s unfertile soil just in time for spring. After having grown from York’s twisted roots only to be hand-picked by EMI Records years later, it's been a long time coming.

With previous singles ‘Eugene’, ‘Green’, ‘Bonzo Please’, ‘Disco Living’ and ‘Love Goo’ softly arranging the new release, we gain a further understanding of their slightly awkward, endlessly fun, ‘taking the piss’ mystique. The obvious '90s alt-rock influences are present but do not define their sound. If Pavement skipped off the existential screams of grunge in apathetic harmony, Bull decided to fly over nostalgia in a cynical Britpop rainbow. Although there’s a potential danger their grunge-dipped wings might bring the mood down, this doesn’t seem to be tapped into Bull’s retro sat nav. 

The album lifts off with indie rock jingles ‘Bedroom Floor’ and ‘Love Goo’; unapologetically catchy tracks that continue on a joyous loop of Beach Boys harmonies. We are eased into the Bull symphony with a carefree attitude, impossible not to indulge in. And just when you think you’re done with the overload of positivity, ‘Green’ is like the beginning of your favourite American sitcom: a familiar comfort. Being one of the most visual tracks from the album, its electric dashes of guitar fuzz stroll through the sunny lyrics and lay back in pure bliss. 

There is a self-mocking undertone to Bull’s music, this ‘get a grip’ attitude against glimpses of self-doubt is a relatable theme throughout the album. ‘Eugene’ ignites these struggles in the sudden changes of tempo - images of The Pixies waiting impatiently on the singles bench at a '50s dance comes to mind. ‘Eddie’s Cap’ is a reminder that nobody can be that happy - thank god. Bull refuse to be tied down by genre-defying sounds here and display their Americana grunge talons through outbursts of white noise, over cosy guitar twangs. “And I know you think it’s fine” plays out into an overload of distorted chaos which is faithfully picked up again by ‘Serious Baby’: the feel-good sounds of The Everly Brothers tinged with alt-rock’s sulky temptations. 

‘Perfect Teeth’ represents every band member at their experimental heights. The track travels along a subtle Yo La Tengo breeze, with a randomness that is purely unique. The band cover everyday issues through a kaleidoscopic lens, that may or may not get bashed about by life, but somehow they manage to remain positive. ‘Smoke’ confesses a relatable struggle displayed in the alt-rock sighs of today, an attempt to contain the self that Bull resolves through a Richmanic narrative and soothing trombone vibrations. The final track, ‘Disco Living’, completes Bull’s distinct sun salutations and lifts the spirits up to a “honey sugar pie” rooftop level. We are reminded through their bashful sarcasm that, as a band, they don’t take themselves too seriously and this is all just an exercise in being refreshingly fun and honest.

With a style that resists being weighed down by society’s seriousiousness or genre’s anal retentive restraints, Discover Effortless Living represents a stream of consciousness derived from their laidback personality. The album release is merely a generous pun of what’s to come, with their September tour dates booked and sunnier days on the horizon, maybe Bull is already there in spirit.

Discover Effortless Living arrives 26 March via EMI.

More about: Bull