By Amber Shaffer, SDAM Staff Writer
©Copyright 2024 SDAM.com/Amber Shaffer

I'm not sure why I've been wanting to go see Bunky. They're fronted by a female singer which should automatically put them on my not-to-be-listened to list. I'm sexist that way. I can count on one hand the number of female singers I will tolerate listening to. But I think a combination of some friends telling me they love Bunky, seeing a video where said female singer did a White Stripes Christmas tribute at the Casbah with my friend Jason Hee in 2002, and grinning inanely the first time I visited the cuteness that is their Web site all created a strong enough impression to encourage me to step outside my music comfort zone. And I'm glad I did. In four words: Bunky is sugar sweet. They are a two-piece and they happen to be engaged. Emily plays drums and takes lead vocals while her man Rafter covers all things with strings and sings as well. Can I say The Captain and Tennille? But with character, spunk, and some rockin' tunes? They are joined by a supporting cast of changing musicians who round out the Bunky sound with various horns, accordions, and other stringed instruments. Emily intermittently taps and bangs away on her minimalist drum kit (kick, snare, and a couple of cymbals) while her pigtails bounce and swing from the effort. Rafter stands in various corners of the stage rocking a guitar or bass, playing with his peddle effects, and smiling at Emily and their wacky back-up band. One of their songs, which is about love, like most their songs (except for the one about needing to go pee which gets stuck in my head about once a week now), has a couple of parts where Emily and Rafter each stop and say something unscripted to the other. Tonight was very sweet. Emily went first and said something to the effect of "Boy, I just want to tell you how proud I am of you for the 20 pounds you've lost" and went on to comment on how fine his ass is. Poor Rafter was so flustered by the time it was his turn to say something to Emily, he was speechless and couldn't find anything to top Emily's compliment which I'm not doing justice. It was all so sincere while still being funny that my friend Sara and I were grinning like dummies. Truth be told, we were grinning like dummies the entire set, but especially during this point. Bunky's just plain cute. And they play a lot. So go see them! Learn more about Bunky and their upcoming shows.