The weird world of Unknown Mortal Orchestra is a heady trip into psychedelic and lo-fi experimentation. Like Javelin’s enjoyable all-over-the-shop album No Más, the Portland-based band led by Kiwi Ruben Nielsen have an adept knowledge of pop hooks and melodies that pierce your consciousness regardless of what else is going on. Whether it’s the Beatles-esque guitar style of ‘Thought Ballune’, the Bibio-esque lo-fi bass-funk of ‘How Can U Luv Me’ or the distorted psych-rock of ‘Ffunny Ffrends’ and ‘Nerve Damage!’, their debut self-titled EP on The Sounds Of Sweet Nothing is worth picking up if you can find a copy. A debut LP is coming on Fat Possum in June.
If you’re a fan of Little Dragon, allow me to introduce you to their remix…
Download: Little Dragon – Nightlight (Unknown Mortal Orchestra Remix)
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
Jaysus, you’re slipping. Me and my mates used to rely on this blog to tell us about new acts first. Read all about this lot (and The Bullits – and Charles Bradley) at On the Record over the last few weeks. All those Blog Awards must have gone to your head.