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Review
Like many so-called bedroom music projects, the quality of Unknown Mortal Orchestra's compositions lies in the very fundamentals of songwriting. The story of this debut is centred within these basics, scattered amongst experimentation with densities, resulting in high-quality lo-fi pop.
The man behind it all, New Zealander Ruban Nielson, does not revel in the complex, and is almost definitely better off not entertaining any grand changes in what he does as UMO right now (a bassist and drummer join him for shows). Texturally the album is interesting, although a sharp ear will be required to spot everything that is going on amid the fuzziness. For opener FFunny FFrends, everything is built around a strong melody and moves in unison, bar an occasional guitar solo or flexible, slinky bassline.
From start to finish it feels very much like 'variations on a theme', with that theme being something like bouncy, summery, melodious but rough-around-the-edges pop songs. While variety may be a little lacking - not to the record's detriment, mind - what isn't missing is punch. A trebly guitar is a mainstay of each and every track, as is the raw and dirty percussive streak, reminiscent of so many sample-led works in this genre.
How Can U Luv Me is the album's centrepiece and also its masterpiece, chock-full with bass grooves, soaring vocals and the feeling that this would be best experienced in a dingy, smoky backroom, with sweat dripping from the walls. It is nothing but a joyous showing. Though the sonic aesthetic is consistent, the speed at which it occurs does change (a couple of times). Nerve Damage! moves at an increased if not frantic pace, whilst Jello and Juggernauts nestles comfortably into the meandering tracks around it, finely riding a solitary main guitar lick.
The album's end comes as a surprise, almost too suddenly as ever-decreasing song-lengths gradually ratchet up the giddiness and excitement in anticipation of what comes next: which, as it turns out, is silence come the abrupt climax of Boy Witch. On reflection, what you have is a compact and incredibly gratifying introduction to the world of Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
--Luke Slater
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fuzzy, Catchy and Timeless,
By
This review is from: Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Audio CD)
Music evokes lots of different feelings, thoughts and reactions. Sometimes you just can't quite figure out why you react as you do to a certain piece of music. Books have been written on such things and albums made that prove this point. Unknown Mortal Orchestra's eponymous debut is a great example of this. Here is an album with the vocals at the back of the mix, percussions, guitar and all the other instruments distorted to give a fuzzy noise. It should sound like a mess. But somewhere underneath all of this is a psychedelic driven pop album that could have been recorded at any time in the last thirty years. And man its catchy and unpredictable. Right in the middle of the whole piece is Lung Damage, with a synthesised voice start that leaps into a fuzzy pop punk piece that's so full of joy you feel you need to bounce along with it - its a perfect example of the under the radar approach of the band and this album. The music actually reminds you of Elephant 6 in the early days and some of the Olivia Tremor Chord stuff, their more mainstream stuff.There are times hear you are also reminded of The Beatles and later John Lennon tracks as well. And at others you think mid 70's psych. It really is that timeless. How Can You Luv Me is a real strong contender for any years end compilation. It will be most welcome in mid-winter to remind us of the joy of summer. Some tracks feel a bit weaker than other (Boy Witch and Little Blu House are the weakest to these ears). But overall it really is a joy to listen to and its 30 minutes (too short) breezes by and you feel that these are some FFunny FFriends you could get to love. A joy to the ears.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not too shabby,
By
This review is from: Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Audio CD)
I really brought this album after hearing Jello and Juggernauts, its one of the standout tracks on the album, the beats and the overall feel is great and really pulls inspiration from king crimson and sgt pepper. The rest of the album is alright but there are really standout tracks.
5.0 out of 5 stars
a serious must have catchy tunes record,
By
This review is from: Unknown Mortal Orchestra (Audio CD)
You know you can't argue about taste but once in a while an album is released which really makes me happy. 'Just' 9 songs but a serious must have catchy tunes record.
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