Rock/Review Wonderlick - Rhinoceros

Wonderlick's two founding members, Jay Blumenfield and Tim Quirk, came together in December 2000 to record free music for a website. The two had previously performed together under different guises (most notably as one half of the smart punk-pop outfit), but this new project resulted in a concept album that was crafted over the course of a year.

Wonderlick uses enticing indie song to encase a satirical gut punch in “Rhinoceros.” The song, which draws inspiration from Eugene Ionesco's iconic absurdist play, examines how the gradual normalization of extremism, especially fascism, can entice common people by using the idea of humans becoming rhinoceroses. Wonderlick handles the darkly humorous idea with conviction and wit, and it feels uncannily relevant.

Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield, two founding members, exchange verses in a dramatic fashion. Tension builds until the finale bursts in a sound tug-of-war as Tim's defiant but progressively hesitant responses are slammed against Jay's accusatory, even frantic yells of "Are you one of us?" The listener is left wondering as the warped and discordant instrumentation rises: Is Tim resisting or is he already changing? The point is that the line becomes hazy.

“Rhinoceros” has a crisp, aggressive sound that combines a theatrical edge with post-punk fury. Similar to the play it depicts, the rhythm section gallops with energy, guitars growl and writhe. The song's theme—a society gradually degenerating into something hideous, until reason itself appears to be an exception—is reflected in the arrangement's encroaching madness.

One of Wonderlick's most audacious artistic declarations is “Rhinoceros.” It is a stinging social commentary, a cautionary story, and an exciting piece of music all at once, not just a deft reference to highbrow theater. This is clever, quirky, and unavoidable protest rock done correctly.