Live stream
Since last September when Bunchy’s first single ‘Scrapbook’ debuted, I’ve been enamoured with the band’s lo-fi approach, their signature art-rock sound, and their children’s storybook aesthetic. Bunchy’s are an absolute breath of fresh air in the music scene, and going to see them perform was a must. After watching the band play @Yours last Saturday, I am happy to report that they are every bit as good live as they are recorded.
And who better to open for Bunchy’s than Eris & U-No Juno. Unfortunately, due to a Potluck I didn’t make it to see Eris (sorry gang) and I only made it to see about half of U-No Juno’s set. Immediately upon walking into Yours, the Bunchy’s crew were manning door sales and handing out ear plugs – a massive green flag in my book. I love noisy noises as much as the next person, but mate, you’re gambling with your hearing if you go to gigs and don’t plug up. Especially if you’re going to see U-No Juno, they held the crowd in the palm of their hand with their mix of decibel shattering punk and alt. rock. With the band’s lead looking like a very young Thom Yorke and having his energy to boot, I was having a rollicking good time hearing the band belt out banger after banger. Also fairly certain I’ve bought darts from one of the members at what will remain an unidentified convenience store, so big ups for facilitating my silliest proletarian vice (if you haven’t started please don’t).
Once Bunchy’s commenced, the gig entered a sincere and surreal child-like space. The crowd attempted to keep balloons with simple sharpie-engraved faces air-borne, some attendees played a rousing game of handball with a very tiny very bouncy ball which had a mind of its own, and a strawberry-topped sponge cake (Happy Birthday Daniel Johnston) sat adjacently to the crowd. All this with no alcohol in sight, yippee!
Crowd theatrics aside, Bunchy’s Big Score delivered big time, utilising the contrast of serious and parody which makes their music so innovative to create a memorable performance of seamless transitions and out of the blue medleys. That’s right we’re talkin’ covers – Foo Fighters There’s My Hero, a Bunchyified Thunderstruck, some rockabilly kicks and Neutral Milk Hotels’ The King of Carrot Flowers, Pts. Two & Three among others.
I can’t speak to how much fun this must’ve been to perform. Hamish (guitarist) had a knack for jumping around while shredding and joining in comradery with Max (vocals/keys) while Reef (drums) brutalised the drumkit. Giving high schoolers the opportunity to partake in a live music experience like this is an absolute boon for Ōtepoti, a city which has a renowned music output. Thanks to places like Yours and bands like Bunchy’s, Eris and U-No Juno, we’ll continue to be a city that punches above its weight in that field.
