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MONDO FREAKS RELEASE HARVEY SUTHERLAND DUB MIX OF SINGLE BELLS ARE RINGING
ANNOUNCE DEBUT EP & LAUNCH SHOW ON RECORD STORE DAY
Photo credit: Rick Clifford
After burning up the Melbourne Soul scene for a number of years, 10-piece Funk outfit Mondo Freaks have announced their debut EP, Bells Are Ringing, which will be released on March 28th on limited 12” vinyl and digital on their own Every Star Records label. Today they drop the second track from it, a Dub version by Harvey Sutherland of the title track and they’ll launch it at The Night Cat on Record Store Day, Saturday April 12th.
Since releasing the original version of “Bells Are Ringing” and it’s Betacam shot video in late January the band have been turning heads with local and international DJs as well as online media picking up on their sophisticated take on Funk including French Soulful music tastemakers Delicieuse Musique and UK DJ Dom Servini (Wah Wah 45s, Jazz FM). After raising the roof on their packed show at The Curtin in January they’ve quickly locked in another Melbourne gig to launch the EP, this time at The Night Cat in Fitzroy, a venue where a crucial early stage of their history was created, as it has for many Melbourne Soul artists.
The EP will also feature a Vocal Remix as well as the Dub of “Bells Are Ringing” by fellow Melburnian and heralded producer and DJ Harvey Sutherland, who is becoming one of the busiest remixers in the country after being invited to re-work local and international heavy hitters such Disclosure, Khruangbin, BadBadNotGood, Tycho, Boston Bun, Budjerah, Lucius, Jungle Giants, Genesis Owusu, Franc Moody and many more. Tightening its hold on the dancefloor, the beefed-up rhythm section on his versions rolls deep into the nocturnal hours, as mesmerising reverb loops elevate the track skywards.
Luke and Graeme got to know Harvey Sutherland when they played together backing Leroy Burgess in 2018. After that they played in his live band across the world and then contributed his ‘BOY’ album. “We were thrilled when he turned in his Dub of “Bells””, Luke said. “A kind of ‘what would Shep Pettibone or Larry Levan do?’ moment. It’s like being transported to Compass Point Studios in ‘81!” Meanwhile, the accompanying track ‘Find A Way’ hits straight away with a percussion and synth hook, blending Jade MacRae and Susie Goble’s vocal delivery with an uplifting message about finding hope in trying times.
Mondo Freaks revolves around the rhythm section of in demand session bassist Luke Hodgson and drummer Graeme Pogson (GL, The Bamboos). Gathering some of the finest musicians from Melbourne’s legendary Soul scene, they’re accompanied by five incredible vocalists including Jade MacRae, Susie Goble(who share vocals on “Bells Are Ringing”), Francisco Tavares, Aaron Mendoza and Jason Heerah. Formed originally as a concept band, equipped with an ever-evolving setlist of late ‘70s and early ‘80s Funk classics, their journey has seen them invited to be the backing band for the Australian tours of such luminaries as Leroy Burgess (the producer and artist behind Boogie and Disco favourites Black Ivory, Logg, Aleem, Inner Life, and Universal Robot Band) and the iconic Evelyn “Champagne” King. Having performed at the iconic local Meredith Music, Golden Plains and Panama festivals and at numerous residencies Mondo Freaks have carved their mark, returning now to ring in a new era of groove-soaked original music. The ’Bells Are Ringing’ EP is only the start of Mondo Freaks journey with more new music planned for 2025 and beyond.
Mondo Freaks “Bells Are Ringing” (Harvey Sutherland Dub) out now – Stream / Download here.
Mondo Freaks Bells Are Ringing EP will be released March 28th on ltd ed 12” vinyl & digital – Pre-order here
Mondo Freaks will launch the Bells Are Ringing EP in Melbourne on April 12th at The Night Cat – Tickets on sale now from Moshtix
