The Mungabeans
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Defunct | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane, Sydney , Australia |
Key people | Paul Grogan, Guy Mansfield, Lord Mike McCann, Evan Clarry (1984–1987) |
| Products | Music albums, singles, live performances |
The Mungabeans were an indie rock group originating from Brisbane, Australia, established in 1984 and disbanded by 1992. The ensemble consisted of Paul Grogan on guitar and lead vocals, Guy Mansfield handling bass and vocals, and Lord Mike McCann on drums and production duties. From 1984 to 1987, rhythm guitarist and occasional vocalist Evan Clarry, who is now a feature film director, was also part of the band. Affectionately called The ‘Beans by their fanbase, they became recognized for their diverse musical selections and dynamic live performances that combined elements of humor, artistic expression, and an edgy atmosphere. After being prohibited from Brisbane’s alternative radio station Four Triple Z, they relocated to Sydney in 1986.
History, name
The inception of The ‘Beans occurred in 1983 when they stepped in as an impromptu act at Jabbo’s Jazz and Blues Club during breaks taken by the regular band The Headstones. Childhood friends Grogan and Mansfield initially collaborated with various drummers until Mike McCann secured the drummer role permanently. Clarry, a school friend of Mansfield from Church of England Grammar School, joined the lineup starting with their first official performance.
The band's name was proposed by Chris Flynn of The Dubrovniks, inspired by a misspelled label "mungabeans" spotted at a health food store—a term that persisted despite bean sprouts being relatively rare in Brisbane at the time.
Throughout 1985–86, The ‘Beans regularly performed within Brisbane’s underground music scene, evolving from opening acts to headlining shows. This progression was largely driven by their avant-garde stage presentations, which were enhanced by Clarry’s use of cinematic props. Their confrontational style occasionally drew attention from undercover police in conservative Brisbane circles. Initially, their repertoire featured covers of kitschy glam rock and Australian hits from the early 1970s as a form of critique against underground music conventions; however, over time, Grogan’s original songs became the focal point of their performances.
With increasing interest emerging from Sydney’s music scene, the band relocated there in 1986 along with other Australian indie groups such as The Headstones and Screaming Tribesmen.
Despite achieving greater recognition overseas—in countries like Germany and England—the Mungabeans never embarked on international tours. They officially ended their run in 1990 but briefly reunited under the name Undermine in 1991 before permanently disbanding in 1992.
Within Australia, they gained significant exposure through multiple appearances on the television program Rage and consistent radio play of "Too Late (to Turn Back Now)"—a track from their 1988 debut EP A Much Sweeter Gag.
Legacy
The 'Beans were instrumental in developing Brisbane’s underground music scene during the late 1980s, influencing numerous local artists who later achieved international recognition as independent and mainstream music markets began to converge. They served as a bridge between technically proficient suburban cabaret groups and more raw indie bands, elevating the overall musical quality among Brisbane acts emerging in the early 1990s. Their record sales found their strongest audience in Europe.
In 1994, Grogan and McCann collaborated to form World Dog, releasing a CD produced with Greg Macainsh of Skyhooks fame. Presently, McCann and Grogan focus on producing music for Asian markets through their company GroMic. Meanwhile, Clarry has directed two feature films—Blurred and Under the Radar—and works within television production. Mansfield continues to produce television content occasionally while managing a corporate video production agency.
Discography
Albums
- A Much Sweeter Gag (Au Go Go) 1988
Singles
- Expensive Taste (Sundown) 1986 (Produced by Mike McCann, composed by Paul Grogan)
Tracks on Compilations
- "Too Late To Turn Back Now" featured on Urban Sounds 1994
- "It’s Gone" included in Brisbane Overboard 1996
The Mungabeans and Undermine videos on YouTube:
Studio version and official music video of It's Gone, 1989: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ-qHZgjC6Y
Cosmic Egg – a retrospective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE2jB0W_jdk
Live performance of Fire at Treasury Hotel, 1990: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u5p8y_q4z0
I Won't Take That (AKA Lord Mike's Rap), recorded in 1990: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpobFZ-7mgE
About To Set Me Free, recorded in 1986: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFvVWcqP9uc