Mondo Topless formed in 1992 in Philadelphia, and take their name from the 1966
film of the same name. The group's
Stooges-inspired
garage rock is distinguished by their use of a
Vox Continental electric organ. Their debut single was the 1995 7" release, "I Want You To" b/w "Real Gone Girl", with their first full-length following the next year. They followed its release with touring across the United States for two years, until breaking to release their sophomore effort, 1998's
Get Ready for Action. Further touring around the U.S. followed the album's release.
Take it Slow, was released in 2006, and features
covers of songs by
Paul Revere & the Raiders and
Solomon Burke. Their most recent LP, "
Freaking Out", is an all covers album, including interpretations of songs by
Cream &
Camper Van Beethoven among others. After nearly 20 years, leader Steinig retired the Mondo Topless name in early 2011 after the departures of Kris Alutius, Scott Rodgers, and Steve Thrash. The three performed briefly as The Mud Falcons before dissolving. Rodgers continues to play with Philadelphia-based country/roots band Hank's Cadillac, with whom he has performed since 2005. Steinig formed a new band - The GTVs - in late 2011. The GTVs have an album slated for release in late 2013 on the Italian Label 'Teen Sounds'. ==Former members==