Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II (2013)

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II (2013)

Unknown Mortal Orchestra come from New Zealand and the USA, formed in the wake of guitarist Ruban Nielsen’s previous noiseniks, The Mint Chicks.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra are far less in your face than The Mint Chicks; more “refined”, as it were; less noisy. Production values are high and the sound has a certain classic charm to it. More than once on this album I am reminded of late Beatles (1967-1968; Sgt Peppers and the White Album), especially with regards to the guitar, on tracks such as Get Away From The Sun, One At A Time, Monki, Faded In The Morning. In fact, I would go further to say that there is a certain 60s British psychedelia sound throughout; I hear shades of The Kinks, The Small Faces and Mannfred Mann, along with some more contemporary sounds, such as the indie blues of Gomez on So Good At Being In Trouble.

This is a great album, especially if laid-back psychedelic indie is your thing. I think it may require a few listens to really get into; but it totally feels worth it.

Favourite tracks: Get Away From The Sun, So Good At Being In Trouble, Monki

Spotify link: Unknown Mortal Orchestra – II
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