Watch Bunch of Kunst: A Film about Sleaford Mods

Bunch of Kunst: A Film about Sleaford Mods is a 2017 documentary feature directed by Christine Franz. The film follows the journey of Sleaford Mods, a two-piece British punk-hop band who gained massive popularity within the UK's underground music scene. The band is made up of Jason Williamson on vocals and Andrew Fearn on laptop. The movie's title is derived from a critical article published in The Guardian newspaper, which refuted Sleaford Mods' credentials as a serious musical act. The article described the band's music as a "bunch of kunst," which loosely translates to "a load of rubbish." Despite the newspaper's negative review, the band's raw and unapologetic sound caught the attention of fans, leading to growing popularity across the UK.

Bunch of Kunst kicks off with a slice of Sleaford Mod's fiery live performance in Nottingham, UK, backed by Andrew Fearn's electronic beats, and Jason Williamson's caustic lyrics. We see the excitement of the crowd and the energy of the band as they unleash their fury on the stage, a preview of what the rest of the film promises.

Christine Franz positions herself as a fan of the band, and her approach to the subject matter is immersive, candid, and informative. Through honest interviews with Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn, the film gives an insight into the band's early beginnings, their artistic process, and what inspires them to create their unique sound.

We see a fast-paced montage of Sleaford Mods' early live performances held to empty rooms, followed by their eventual breakthrough to sold-out shows across the UK. The filmmakers shoot the band's live performances in raw, punk style, with handheld cameras and shaky footage that captures the intensity of their concerts.

There are also interviews with two iconic punk musicians and activists Rat Scabies and Steve Ignorant, who provide testimony to the relevance of Sleaford Mods' music, which they compare to that of the seminal punk rock act, The Clash. They discuss how Sleaford Mods' music addresses social and economic issues affecting the working-class in Britain.

The film delves into Jason Williamson's life and offers a glimpse of his harsh upbringing, his struggle with unemployment, depression, and drug addiction. We see him in his native Nottingham, where he takes us on a tour of the city's housing estates and working-class neighborhoods which he claims have been left behind by the rest of society.

Throughout the documentary, we see how the band thrives on running against the grain of the music industry, avoiding anything that might lead to success at the cost of their artistic integrity. They refuse to have a record label, agent, or any kind of management, choosing instead to rely on their own DIY approach.

Bunch of Kunst: A Film about Sleaford Mods is a fascinating and engaging documentary. It offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of two musicians who have dedicated themselves to creating outsider art that defies the odds. It's a celebration of the working-class ethos and speaks to the people who feel disenfranchised in today's world. If you are a music lover, a fan of punk, or interested in the UK's underground music scene, this film is well worth checking out.

Bunch of Kunst: A Film about Sleaford Mods is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.