BELLS ARE RINGING (EP) | 12IN VINYL

Mondo Freaks, Bells Are Ringing is the debut EP by Melbourne Funk 10 piece outfit Mondo Freaks, released following on from the single of the same name and a thrilling Dub Version by Harvey Sutherland. Mondo Freaks formed originally as a concept band, equipped with an ever-evolving set list 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 favorites 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 band 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 McRae, Susie Goble, Francisco Tavares, Aaron Mendoza and Jason Heerah. New tracks on the EP include 'Find A Way', which hits straight away with a percussion and synth hook, blending Jade McCrae's vocal delivery with an uplifting message about finding hope in trying times. Also included is the Harvey Sutherland Vocal Mix of 'Bells Are Ringing', which keeps much of the spaced out Larry Levan, Shep Pettibone re-edit approach that was on his much lauded Dub Version. It's easy to see why his remix skills have been in demand and utilized by Disclosure, Khruangbin, BadBadNotGood, Tycho, Boston Bun, Lucius, Jungle Giants, Genesis Owusu and Franc Moody. On his own releases Sutherland has collaborated with the likes of DaM FunK and Nubya Garcia. Tightening it's hold on the dancefloor, the beefed-up rhythm section rolls deep into the nocturnal hours, as mesmerizing reverb loops elevate the track skywards. Luke and Graeme got to know Harvey Sutherland when they played together backing Leroy Burgess on his Australian tour in 2018. After that Luke and Graeme played in Harvey's live band across the world and then contributed to 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!' Mondo Freaks make Funk inspired by late '70s / early '80s era as it gently moved beyond Disco. That era has continued to inspire many artists, but what sets Mondo Freaks apart is their live instrumentation plus a focus on vocals and great songwriting, creating something beyond simply instrumental grooves. In the studio and in their full live lineup Mondo Freaks are a formidable ensemble who take their sound beyond mere homage, without a hint of irony or any knowing winks. Mondo Freaks simply breathe life into a timeless sound and make it feel more relevant than ever. Tracklisting: A1. Bells Are Ringing (Single Edit) (5:04) A2. Find a Way (4:19) B1. Bells Are Ringing (Harvey Sutherland Vocal Mix) (6:38) B2. Bells Are Ringing (Harvey Sutherland Vocal Dub) (6:02)