A Bunch Of Kunst
Director: Christine Franz
Talent: Andrew Fearn, Sleaford Mods, Steve Underwood
Released: 21st April
Nottingham-grown electronic punk band Sleaford Mods comprises Jason Williamson and Alex Fearn. Bunch of Kunst documents their rise in commercial success over the last two years, from local pub gigs to being signed to Rough Trade. The documentary focuses mostly on lyricist and main performer, Jason, by detailing his backstory (‘He didn’t care about his life,’ according to his wife) and family life, meaning we strangely don’t hear all that much of Alex.
Their songs are ‘about jobs, [and] managers shitting on you’, focus on working class life and are frequently described as ‘refreshing’ by fans and industry professionals alike. Documentary participants are rarely hooked up to a microphone, which creates a sense of intimacy, but also makes it hard to know what exactly is going on. For a band with such political underpinnings and motivation, the documentary is frustratingly apolitical. Aside from one gig attendee referencing the Tory government, the realities Sleaford Mod portray in their music are presented as context-less occurrences.
Words – Sarah Taaffe-Maguire
