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By: Matt Butler
It would be easy to dismiss Mondo Drag as 1970s revivalists. Their prog-tinged music is rich and warm with analogue goodness, while they pepper their conversation with phrases like “juicy cuts” and “rich tapestry” when describing their band’s sound.
But there is a difference between playing Yes-by-numbers and coming up with something which harks to that golden age of Farfisa synths and odd time signatures, but still remains in the present. As the band explain when we collared them for a chat about subjects such as their latest album, The Occultation of Light, along with the highs and lows of their new life in California – and what’s “rockin’” in their world right now.
(((o))): Your music takes me back to hearing my neighbour’s records as a kid. Do you consciously try and sound like a surfboard shaper from the 70s’ record collection, or am I over-thinking it?
Mondo Drag: We are influenced very much by the music that we like, which is very heavily leaning towards the late 60’s and early 70s’ era of music. The production and sound characteristics were largely defined by the analog technology of the day, much like old photos and movies shot on film have a certain warmth and unique quality about them. Our gear selections and recording techniques are deliberate and intended to closely replicate the creation and capturing of sound of that era, but we would not call ourselves “70’s rock revivalists.” We are using a hybrid of modern and vintage technology and techniques to capture this moment in time today.
(((o)))I’ve read many attempts to describe your music, but the best I’ve heard is from a friend of mine: “music for the big beanbag”. How do you describe it?
Mondo Drag: We’ve heard our fair share of descriptions as well: “Heavy Floyd”, “doom prog”, “stoner prog”, and so on… We try to create a rich, varied tapestry of sound that is cinematic and evocative, and can really transport the listener.
(((o))): You’re a lot more… laconic than a lot of Riding Easy bands. How did you come to be on the label?
Mondo Drag: Laura Dolan of Electric Citizen has been a supporter of Mondo Drag for some time… she booked us at Cincy Psych Fest back in 2012. It was also based on her recommendation that Daniel Hall, owner of Riding Easy, ordered a copy of our album from our website, which opened up a conversation between us. Within a few months of meeting Daniel he had the self-titled album out and us back out on the road, for the first time in years, with new label mates Electric Citizen and Slow Season.
(((o))): How much easier was it to record The Occultation of Light than the previous ones, given that this is the first one when you have all been in the same place?
Mondo Drag: It was so much easier! Having a full-time touring, rehearsing band again made all the difference. It really allowed us to work with our ideas more fully and let us sit on things and let them marinate for a good long while. That’s why these cuts are juicy, man!
(((o))): I’ve been on a recommending drive for The Occultation of Light since the start of the year (you’re welcome). Whose music are you telling all your friends about?
Mondo Drag: Thank you for that! Portland-based band Pushy came down to the Bay a few months ago to play a couple of shows with Hot Lunch, and proceeded to knock everyone’s socks off. We’ve worked with Adam Burke [Pushy’s vocalist/guitarist] for some logo and T-shirt designs and have been fans of his art for some time. Then we came to find out he also sings and shreds guitar in a ripping band. So yeah, Pushy is rockin’!
(((o))): What do you like most about being based in California? Is there anything you miss from home?
Mondo Drag: I think we all miss our family and our friends back home, but moving out here has been great. The weather and the weed out here are out of control though.
