The Bunny Gang
The Bunny Gang, which is fronted by Flogging Molly's Nathen Maxwell, plays music that crosses the lines of rock, punk and reggae. Nathen Maxwell has the word Revolution tattooed prominently on his left wrist. However, it's more than just a word for The Bunny Gang frontman and Flogging Molly bassist.
"It's a sign of what time it is", he affirms. "Revolution must be peaceful, nonviolent, and conscious. I think it can mean something different to everybody though. There can be a million interpretations, and that's the wonderful thing about it".
The Bunny Gang's sophomore full-length, "Thrive" stands built on creative revolution. Transcending musical boundaries, The Bunny Gang organically strut between alternative, folk, punk and reggae. Following up 2009's acclaimed "White Rabbit", it's a tight and thought-provoking combination that makes for an irresistible sonic brew.
In order to stir up the eleven songs comprising the album, the gang retreated to Sonic Ranch in El Paso, TX, with producer Ryan Hewitt (Sheryl Crow, The Avett Brothers). Tapping into an indescribable chemistry, the entire offering was cut in less than a week.
“The band´s name comes from a punk rock crew I grew up with in the South Bay of Los Angeles called The Original Bunny Gang or OBG PUNX. After playing with several great musicians, I met an amazing hearted and like minded human being in Nat Lort-Nelson in 2012. He was the glue. There's a deep history, and we share a philosophical outlook. We believe art should say something".
That's exactly what songs like the first single, "Sirens Through The City" do. Co-written with Scott Abels (Jimmy Cliff, The Aggrolites, Tim Armstrong & numerous other acclaimed artists) the song skates from a soulful riff into a poetic melody, it's a personal and poignant rumination from the singer. He also encloses a hopeful message inside of the track.
"I wrote that song when I was living in Harbor City, which is a rough town in South Los Angeles", he recalls. "I was literally sitting on the corner and hearing police sirens every night. At the same time, it's a song of hope and making it out of the ghetto and thriving. If people could dream bigger and step outside of their bubble, they'd realize the world is a beautiful place".
Elsewhere on the record, the energetic "Uprise Underground" appeals to revolutionaries everywhere, urging an awakening, while questioning the status quo. The Bunny Gang then floats down the river on “Illegal Market”, co-written with Dennis Casey (Flogging Molly). This is an iridescent jam that showcases the bands love of Cumbia as well as a cry for social equality.
Ultimately, anybody who takes this ride with The Bunny Gang will feel that progression. "Life, art, and music are all evolution", he concludes. It sounds like revolution is just up head for The Bunny Gang.