Combine modern pop music with a throwback to the psychedelic 60s and you wind up with Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Ruban Nielson formed the group after Mint Chicks, his previous band, broke up. He’s ditched the aggressive rock of Mint Chicks and channeled his energy into crafting songs that would make The Flaming Lips proud.
But Nielson isn’t the only member of Unknown Mortal Orchestra. The band is a trio that features Nielson on guitar and vocals, Jake Portrait on bass and Julien Ehrich on drums. Their self-titled, debut album is about 30 minutes long, more fit for a punk outfit than this trio, but the length of the album helps confirm the easy-going summer vibe that the songs convey. This is definitely an album made to be listened to during the summer, which would explain the June release date.
Album opener “Ffunny Ffriends” features mildly distorted vocals, a jangly guitar solo and a head bobbing rhythm section that wouldn’t be out of place on a sunny beach. On “Thought Ballune,” Nielson sings “I’m a smiling alligator/I tell lies that’ll be true later” over a psychedelic shuffle. “Jello and juggernauts quicken my heavy hand” is slowly sung over an ascending guitar riff on “Jello and Juggernauts.” A guitar effect that sounds like vocals starts off “Nerve Damage,” which proceeds into the heaviest song on the album. It’s like an old-time surf song, but the vocals sound like a Tom Waits impersonator. On “Strangers Are Strange,” the foot tapping rhythm goes well with the muted guitar notes and whispered/echoed vocals. Bird calls echo over what sounds like a warped vinyl record before a Chuck Berry-esque riff takes over on “Boy Witch.”
While they’re catchy, there’s definitely a formula to the songs on this album: a light, yet danceable rhythm section, slightly distorted vocals and a jangly, effect-laden guitar. There’s a guitar solo thrown in every couple songs, and although the solos show off Nielson’s skills, they’re similar to what we’ve already heard from the rhythm guitar. Even the funky “How Can You Luv Me” and the eerily-similar-to-Wayne-Coyne vocals on “Little Blu House” can’t seem to break the formula.
It’s clear that Unknown Mortal Orchestra isn’t here to change what we think we know about music with their debut. Nevertheless, these are musicians having fun with their craft; their songs offer a relaxing escape that’s perfect for the summer.
