Eight years after their final live show, now defunct but widely celebrated Boston Jam act, Mondo Gecko are thrilled to announce that their self-titled debut studio album Mondo Gecko will finally see the light of day on July 26th, 2018. The digital release will be available via all streaming services including iTunes, Spotify, and Bandcamp.
Before disbanding at the end of 2010, the group was able to capture much of their on stage magic in the studio. Recorded over several sessions in 2009 and 2010, their self-titled swan song infuses elements of prog rock, EDM, space-grass, reggae, and jazz fusion.
The album captures the band at its finest, showcasing both their quirky, illustrative lyrical themes and their adept instrumental and compositions skills. Mondo Gecko is a glimpse into an imaginative world rich with strong visual imagery, creative musical landscapes, and intertwining, exploratory group improvisation.
From the onset, the album’s college radio friendly single “Wounded Dreamer” immediately transports listeners with its strong hook and surprisingly ethereal chorus. Further in, the eighteen minute jam odyssey “W.I.M.” simultaneously appeals to both those that frequent a taper section and fans of all things Floyd. But it is perhaps “Beacons”, the through-composed rock opus, that best captures both the band’s live energy and its transportive musicality.
After meeting at Berklee College of Music in a Jam Band ensemble conducted by jazz guru John Funkhouser, guitarist/singer Luke Stratton, drummer Aaron Morey, and keyboardist/singer Eric McEwen developed immediate chemistry. Over the next few months, the trio cut their teeth at house parties around Boston, working with a variety of bassists until settling into a groove with fellow Berklee student Matt Drummey. The group also toured with Dopapod Guitarist Rob Compa, and recorded and toured with guitarist Brad Garone, from 2008 to 2009, who’s unique and captivating playing can be heard on “Wounded Dreamer” and “Acheron”.
After graduating from Berklee, the group toured the Northeast, becoming a premiere up and coming act at clubs and festivals including The Middle East in Cambridge, Nectar’s in Burlington, Red Square in Albany, and The Big Up Festival in upstate New York. Known for their unique live performances, exploratory yet cohesive group improvisation, and engaging stage antics, Mondo Gecko carried the torch lit by artists such as The Grateful Dead, Phish, Frank Zappa, and Medeski, Martin, and Wood, albeit for a short time.
Since disbanding, members have gone to pursue various individual endeavors. Aaron Morey and Eric McEwen now play in the powerful jam-rock quartet Skyfoot, based in Boston, MA. Matt Drummey is a professional guitarist and bassist based in Nashville, TN. Luke Stratton is a concert lighting designer based in Denver, CO and is known for his work with Dopapod, The Motet, and Thievery Corporation.
Mondo Gecko Track Listing:
“Wounded Dreamer”
“Acheron”
“Hideout”
“W.I.M.”
“The Other Side”
“Simple World”
“So They Say”
“Relics”
“Beacons”
“Beacons” is streaming now over on the band Bandcamp page: http://mondogecko.bandcamp.com/track/beacons
