Nobunny: More Fun Than Physics

By Phil Hunt
Contributing Writer

If the Everett-Wheeler model of quantum physics is correct, there are infinite universes and infinite realities. There might be a universe in which Justin Champlin (a.k.a. Nobunny) gets a degree, finds a nice little accounting firm, and spends the rest of his life toiling in quiet obscurity. There might be other universes where he wins the lottery, plays Spanish guitar or travels to space.

It’s fortunate that we’re stuck here in a universe where Champlin travels the world in a ratty-looking bunny mask while taking off a fair portion of his clothing to play bubblegum punk and entertain tipsy bar patrons.

But that’s enough about quantum physics. Quantum physics is hard to understand. Nobunny is easy to understand.

Nobunny isn’t interested in particles, matter or mathematical formulas, unless the formula you’re talking about is Ramones-esque, singalong punk. A four-year-old child will love Nobunny. His forty-year-old mom & dad will love it. It’s a stripped-down, all-killer affair that’s so accessible, simple and fun that it’s almost criminal. There’s no fluff whatsoever, unless you count the odd whisp of synthetic bunny hair that almost certainly sheds from this guy’s creepy-looking bunny mask.

If you’re into underground punk rock, you might recognize Justin Champlin’s name from some other quality bands, the Okmoniks or the Sneaky Pinks, but Nobunny appears to have eclipsed those projects in popularity.

That’s probably all the background that’s necessary. It’s probably too much. You see, I made a conscious decision not to call Champlin on the phone and ask him questions he’s heard before.

Why? Because It’s a dude in a bunny mask who plays catchy rock and roll. What more is there to say? Why spoil the mystique of something so deliciously weird. Why not just go along with it and enjoy?

So instead, I gave in and enjoyed. I gave his debut LP “Love Visions” a few more spins. According to my Last.fm profile, this is something I’d already done 76.41666666666667 times before. But let’s just say 77 and get a nice round number. Or let’s quit talking about numbers altogether. It’s getting way too complicated.

The best compliment I’ve seen for “Love Visions” was in an article that called it “a rock’n’roll boner.” It’s an easy, apt description of its hard, messy, primal racket. It’s pure punk pleasure wrapped in a root-beer flavored pop condom.

Right from the start of this LP, you know you’re in for something special. The slightly mangled, off-the-rails version of the Human Beinz’ hit (by way of Isley Brothers) “Nobody but Me” (retitled “Nobunny Loves You”) signals a sound that’s immediately familiar, but twisted into something new and breathtaking. It’s simple. It’s crude. It’s an absolute joy to play at full volume.

Songs like “Mess Me Up” and “Chuck Berry Holiday” hop and hiccup along with infectious simplicity. “I am a Girlfriend” and “Not that Good” chug along like cherry soda—they’re crammed with treble-charged, brain-burrowing hooks and laced with la-la-las. It’s as sweet and easy to devour as an Easter basket.

And he’s coming to play in person at the Aquarium. Thursday, May 13th might be the most intellectually un-stimulating evening of the year. It might even make you a little dumber for having attended. I mean that as the highest compliment. All you have to do is stand there. Hop up and down. Shout unintelligibly. Breathe through your mouth. Sweat. Do whatever comes naturally. It’s going to be fun.

While the bunny mask is inexplicable, and it looks a little gross, it’s a clear signal that you’re in for a wild time. Wild times are easy to understand. So are guitars. So are lyrics about love. So are hand claps.

Nobunny will bring the rock. You bring the hand claps.

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If You Go

What: Nobunny
Where: The Aquarium
When: Thurs, May 13, 10pm-12 midnight
Info: 701.235.5913