By PETER DOUGLAS
HAVING blessed Australia’s stages, playlists, TV screens and awards nights for nearly 40 years, Mental As Anything will soon hit the Sooki Lounge in Belgrave.
Boasting 12 albums between 1979 and 2009, the band’s contribution to the Australian music scene was formally recognised in 2009 with their induction into the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
The art pop pioneers will perform at the Sooki Lounge on Thursday, 16 June, with their visit coinciding with the release of a new single and upcoming new material.
The group recently announced the release of a new single ‘Shake off your Sandals’, which has been described as an instant pop classic with a distinct Mentals’ twist.
The release is the first in what will be a regular suite of singles (one every five months).
The performance also coincides with the lead-up to a re-issue of the Mentals’ most cherished albums (Get Wet, Cats and Dogs, Fundamental As Anything, Mouth To Mouth and Liar Liar Pants On Fire).
The iconic releases are being reissued in a five-album set on Sunday, 11 December.
Vocalist Greedy Smith said it was a fantastic time for the band.
“We are pumped to release five of our most important studio albums in a five-CD set,” he said.
“This coincides with our first ‘new’ recordings in many years.
“In the studio with producer engineer Steve James, we will pump out a new single every five months.
“First cab off the rank is ‘Shake off your Sandals’.”
Greedy said the band is proud of where this project is taking them.
“We have toured continuously for 38 years and aren’t stopping yet,” he said.
“Bring it on.”
Tickets are available at the venue or on www.moshtix.com.au.
For more details, contact Sooki Lounge on (03) 9754 7567.
