Bunny & the Lakers – Numbers [LP]

"Released into the ether sometime in 1984, Bunny & The Laker's sole release, 'Numbers' has always been an LP that's as difficult to procure as it is to process. Much like John Bender's output on his own Record Sluts imprint, 'Numbers' was one of those self-released records that was seemingly around, but localized. While attending McGill University in the mid 80's, I 1st encountered it being played in a record shop by the staff. At first I thought it could be Tuxedomoon, but as it progressed, it was even too strange to be them. A very personalized aura, dipping into occasional flashes of Industrial magnetism, all the while enveloped by minimal synth interludes, there was no way to accurately channel what was going on. I asked for it at the counter, but the clerk said it was his personal copy, purchased in Toronto & wasn't for sale. My next exposure was a year or so later, in conversation with Sordide Sentimental founder, Jean-Pierre Turmel. He cited 'Numbers' as one his favorite & influential releases. All efforts by then to locate a copy had become futile, it was now a difficult purchase. Which only added heat to the flame of its mystery.

But now some 40 years later, the Tanzanian label, Zaius Tapes, has seen fit to reissue 'Numbers' in a one time edition of 300. By now much more has become known of its provenance, but it remains just as enchantingly polarizing in 2025 as it did in those nascent times decades ago. It's still very much outside any conventional pigeonholing. If your tastes run akin to the styles of those aforementioned artists above, I should think this album would offer you splendiferous delight. Also for fans of; Quite Ridiculous Nonsense, Iceplants, Prominent Disturbance, Sis Q Lint & Philip Johnson's 'Youth In Mourning'."

Zaius Tapes, 2025