Weekly Release Spotlight: Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Posted on 7/03/2011
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
[Fat Possum]
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
[Fat Possum]
Topping out at 30 minutes and 3 seconds, the self titled debut album from Unknown Mortal Orchestra out on Fat Possum solidifies their spot as one of the hottest bands to spring out of the ever fertile breeding grounds that is Portland, Oregon. Ringleader Ruban Nielson has already tasted fame with his previous success as a member of the five time award winning group Mint Chicks in his homeland of New Zealand.
The album premieres with the track “Ffunny Ffriends,” which Nielson released as a solo project on Bandcamp in late 2010. In an age where everyone and their grandma can and is releasing music online to the masses, UMO's appeal lies in the perfect chemistry of pairing Malachai-esque vocals with poignant, clear guitar melodies and sharp, shifting drumbeats. There is an intensity behind all of UMO's tracks that separates them from other indie chillwave acts, although there are few tracks that rise above mid-level tempo. These elements coexist in such a natural way that this album would be perfectly suitable for a 70's cop sitcom on a distant planet. Single “How Can U Love Me” is easily one of the best jams on the record, combining catchy percussive beats over uber-poppy vocals depicting nothing else but a breakup.
Out of the nine tracks, there are many highlight tracks including “Thought Ballune,” where Nielson croons about alligator smiles, “Bicycle,” and “Strangers Are Strange.” “Nerve Damage” is reminiscent of the feeling of a trip gone wrong, where UMO shows off their krautrock sensibilities without losing the crisp, driving melodic guitar that places itself perfectly at the end of each phrase, giving the song a circular repeating rhythm that is jarring yet reasssuring. If you haven't heard it already, I highly highly suggest playing this album loud while driving with friends on a sunny day. Windows should be down for best results.
Stream: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - "Ffunny Ffriends"