Following up on their ARIA-nominated album “Do Anything Go Anywhere” and their sold-out 12” “Two Sides of the Truth” The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra bring some more hard-hitting afrofunk to the dance-floors of Australia and beyond with the new release “Mr Clean”. Comprising 17 Melbourne-based musicians, many with origins in Africa, they draw from these diverse backgrounds in creating a heavy afro sound that is uniquely their own.
“Follow your leader!” comes the chorus as guitarist Dave Marama, channeling the power of freedom fighters past, steps up to the mic and delivers his funky sermon. Mr Clean is his vision of leading his native Africa with wisdom and empathy, as something virtually unheard of these days; a clean, honest politician. You might say “he's dreaming” but give this man a chance and by the end he'll have your vote I promise! And don't worry he's not out fighting on his own – he's there with the hardest rhythm section as his foot soldiers, the meanest horn section as his cavalry and a frontline of singers and dancers that would make a grown man weep.
This up-tempo afro-funk stormer has 'club hit' stamped all over it. It might be over 8 mins long, spread over both sides of the 45 (DJ's, you neeeeed doubles!) but if you're on a dancefloor when the needle hits the groove, you'll find yourself a heaving, sweaty mess by the end. Available on 7" 45rpm vinyl and digital, “Mr Clean” was recorded live to analogue tape in the abandoned textile factory that serves as the HopeStreet recording studio. This rarefied atmosphere coupled with the warmth of the beautiful vintage gear can be really felt in the raw, dirty power of this groove.
Listen back to Flight 1067 to Africa with Stani for a live set from Public Opinion Afro Orchestra.
