Harry Schonberg – ‘Funky Lunchbox’ [EP] [Album Review]

Imagine some mad scientist hybridizing the DNA of Weird Al Yankovic, Mac Demarco, and comedian Jim Jefferies with dollops of The Sugarhill Gang, and you’ll have a sense of Harry Schoberg’s signature sound, superbly witnessed by his new EP, Funky Lunchbox.

Schonberg explains, “‘Funky Lunchbox’ is a continuation of a lot of the comedic styles from Darty At Night. The quick, off-the-top-of-the-head style of writing and production is something I refunded cooking up music while living with my friends.”

Comprising five tracks, the EP starts with “Funky Hell,” riding a funk-filled hip-hop rhythm topped by rapping-lite vocals alluding to JG Wentworth’s inescapable television commercials, the ’80s Band-Aid jingle, making furniture for the president, and what Christopher Columbus was really up to.

Highlights include personal fave “funky home birth,” because of its swaying, contagious rhythm. The song features eyesdown and travels on a rolling, palpitating rhythm topped by gleaming colors and melodic flows. eyesdown is a member of Clamsterdam, Schonberg’s other project, which will be releasing new music soon.

Opening on skiffing guitars reminiscent of Isaac Hayes, “meth plug out of town funk” showcases a fat, popping bassline, braying brass, and hints of funkified jazz textures. The final track, “vulnerable funk” takes things down a notch, revealing soft, creamy surfaces of what might be described as yacht-hip-hop fused with dreamy R&B.

Harry Schonberg lampoons pop culture with panache by blending old-school hip-hop and the energy of electro-funk with mirthful lyricism.

Harry Schonberg “Funky Lunchbox” single artwork

Funky Lunchbox Track Listing:

1. Funky Hell
2. funky home birth
3. holiday spirit funk final
4. meth plug out of town funk
5. vulnerable funk

Run Time: 12:40
Release Date: January 27, 2024
Record Label: Independent