Mungo’s Hi Fi first set sail at the turn of the millennium – a time when soundsystem culture was at low tide in the Clyde estuary. They had to dig deep into reggae dancehall heritage to distill its essence, avoiding mimicry like the plague and always keeping it real. The example of soundsystem pioneers showed the way – using the latest technology to build on the past, conscious of the current climate.
The digital age has brought on a storm of musical offerings making it hard for music lovers to navigate a safe course. Mungo’s Hi Fi shine a light in the darkness.
As the good ship Mungo grew, so did the crew. Seven now make up the permanent company, each with their own responsibilities for producing and releasing the music, running the label, shop, playing live shows and putting on promotions. Together with a hard working crew of MCs, box lifters and visual artists they work as a team, relying on all their strengths and not just strong personalities that can cause a sound to run aground. They have been on adventures all over the globe, sometimes travelling alone, sometimes with the whole crew.
At sea you learn self reliance, how to keep a positive attitude and how to have fun. They maintain a suspicion of cultural pirates and their abuse of power, which is why they choose to retain control over how they make and present their music, favouring passion over presentation.
When counter currents start to challenge the mainstream they will always meet opposition. As the tide begins to swell they are ready to batten down the hatches and provide a beating heart for those who battle injustice with the power of love and the human spirit. In order to stop complaining and start competing they have had to face their own fears and private opposition, get organised and fight back. In this serious time war is not the answer as only love can conquer.
Mungo’s Hi Fi: Official site, Facebook, Soundcloud
Scotch Bonnet Records – Founded in 2005 by Mungo’s Hi Fi, Scotch Bonnet is a record label & online shop based in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Scotch Bonnet shop provides all available Scotch Bonnet releases for purchase, alongside a choice of 7″, 10″ and 12″ vinyl, CD’s, digital downloads and limited edition clothing.
Scotch Bonnet Records: Official site, Facebook, Soundcloud
The next cut to Mungo’s lick over of Ice Cream Love is the lead single and title track from their forthcoming album. It’s a sound burial combination, pairing the great Johnny Osbourne with the lyrical pride of Ipswich, YT. Over-proof, unadulterated, undiluted: it sums up the album’s theme perfectly. Nothing is watered down here.
Tracklist
A – Mungo’s Hi Fi ft YT & Johnny Osbourne – No wata down ting
B – Mungo’s Hi Fi – Ice cream riddim
Urban Buddha Music 