Bnny at the Bottle: An Album Release Show
Article and photos by Josie Stahler
Friday night at Empty Bottle is usually the place to be for young aspiring indieheads, but this past Friday in particular was set to be even more exciting. Chicago-based Bnny were celebrating the release of their sophomore album, One Million Love Songs with a special record release show featuring ULNA, Kinsella & Pulse and a DJ set from Tobacco City.
Walking into the Bottle felt like a dream. The stage was adorned with red, glittering streamers and fans who got to the show early were given a pair of light-up bunny ears. The crowded space was lit by colorful ears and the excited chatter of fans. Up first was ULNA, the solo project of Bnny member Adam Schubert. You may also recognize him from his time in the now defunct band Cafe Racer, which recently hosted their final show at Empty Bottle. ULNA’s music is stripped back and reflective, the type of tunes you put on during a solo morning walk to get centered. Schubert’s track, “Borrowed Time” off the album OEA is one to return to no matter the weather. Similar to Bnny, ULNA’s music is deeply personal in all the best ways, wistful yet comforting.
Up next to bat was Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse. The duo’s on stage performance more closely resembled performance art, taking time to let their music breathe and linger in the space. Kinsella worked a board, shifting melodies and transforming beats in front of our very eyes while Pulse sang and played guitar. It’s clear the two have a trust between each other that is amplified in their performance. They recently put out an EP of outtakes and alternative versions from their latest album, Giddy Skelter.
Before long it was time for Bnny to take the stage. Members Jessica Viscius, sister Alexa Viscius, Adam Schubert, Tim Makowski and Sarah Weddle walked on, adorned in bunny ears and other accessories. Jessica wore a stunning headpiece that sparkled when the light hit it just right. They played an even mix of tunes old and new, from “Crazy Baby” to the high energy track “Promises” from the album Everything. Both albums retain that soft-spoken hazy feel Viscius delivers in her vocals and far-off instrumentation, but with One Million Love Songs there’s a new sense of vulnerability that reads beautifully to listeners.
It helped that the band was performing these songs for the first time in their city, at a venue they’d played many times before. The comfort of playing a familiar place combined with the anxieties of sharing new creations gave the songs a lovely fresh feel live. A highlight of the set was definitely when the band played their new track “Good Stuff” and Jessica noted that this might be the first time she’d ever heard her words sung back to her. It was wonderfully endearing to witness such a moment.
While Bnny’s performance might have come to an end, the party was still going. Fans hung around for a DJ set from Tobacco City, chatting, dancing and smoking in true Empty Bottle fashion. It was one of those nights where you could fully comprehend the tight-knit Chicago music community in all its glory.
Bnny will be playing a European tour this upcoming May, as well as a show in New York in June. You can keep updated on all things Bnny on Instagram.
Stream Bnny on Spotify below...