Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Yes, I may be almost a year late, but I’m glad I didn’t miss the bus completely. These new indie rockers who hail from Portlandia released a very under-appreciated album last year, and it’s about time we at LxL gave them some “cred”. Had I heard this album last year, it definitely would have been at least discussed to make one of the end of the year lists. However, since I am just recently discovering the band and album, a year after the fact, I feel compelled to talk it up.
Tame Impala has ultimately ended up being a favorite album of mine from 2010. I think it’s actually for a lot of the same reasons I love this album. First and foremost, there isn’t a lot else like it anymore. It’s a new twist on an old sound, and it’s executed very well. After the first 30 seconds, you have a fairly good idea of what you are getting yourself into for the entire album. Hearing sounds of hip hop infused, psychedelia garage music instantly brings a smile to my face every time I hit play. The notes of hip hop are really only derived from a few beats, but they are most certainly there. The guitar is bright, but fuzzy at the same time, which brings a very classic feel to UMO instantly. The lyrics and vocals remind me of Beck a bit. For those of you haven’t gone through a Beck phase, or were never close to someone who has this may seem like a stretch, but if you were to combine Beck with random moments of psychedelic 70′s hippie vocals (Mammas and the Pappas, Jefferson Airplane, etc) UMO would be the result. On top of all this, it ends perfectly with a killer Iggy Pop and the Stooges type of track. Very rough, raw and straight forward.
^The above paragraph can be summed up nicely with just this one track
The other stunning aspect to UMO is that this is merely a debut. A lot of debuts can be great, but usually there is a few weak links on the album, or a clear cut concern for why future albums may be weaker. This debut has neither of those issues. I believe that their sophomore efforts will most likely trump the debut. Not that this album has gained them a ton on notoriety at this point, but I think it will continue to grow. I’m sure the hype following them after their SXSW performance will certainly do them good as well.
That’s about all. Short and sweet review for a short and sweet album. Definitely would recommend checking it out. It will be an especially good album to compliment the bright and sunny spring vibes that are already shining everyones way.
8.5/11
Can’t Miss: “FFunny Friends”, “Bicycle”, “How Can U Luv Me”, “Boy Witch”
Can’t Hit: N/A
Good review, I’ve really been enjoying this album. It’s a wildly psychedelic trip back to the progressive rock of the 70′s. If you block John Travolta out of your mind, the 70′s really were cool!