Unknown Mortal Orchestra Delivers Both Psych-Pop Dreams and Sultry R&B Grooves

The Portland three-piece's new album favors '80s synths and horns over fuzzy guitar, but keeps up tight, lo-fi harmonies.

By Sophia June

[FUZZY SYNTHS] Portland three-piece Unknown Mortal Orchestra delivers lo-fi, psych-pop dream grooves that leave you swaying, daydreaming and sun-scorched. Fame came quickly for the group: Singer-guitarist Ruban Nielson posted a track on Bandcamp anonymously in 2010, immediately gaining the attention of major music sites and propelling the band's introduction as a major reveal. While earlier albums focused on psychedelic sounds, last year's Multi-Love revels in '70s funk and sultry R&B, which continues on the recent one-off single, "First World Problem." "She's eating birthday cake inside the disco," sings Nielson in a gauzy croon. The track favors '80s synths and horns over fuzzy guitar, but keeps the tight, lo-fi harmonies that's characterized the band through three albums.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra plays Sunday at 4:55 pm.

(Amy Churchwell)

Ice Cube: Original Gangster, Unconventional Activist b/w Portland Rappers' Favorite Cube Lyrics | Portland's Most Hardcore Duran Duran Fans b/w Rare Duran Duran Memorabilia | Tame Impala Weed Strains | The Cult of Ween | The Myth of Drive Like Jehu | Ask Andrew W.K. | Five Facts About A$AP Ferg | Five Facts About Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats | Tenement | The Coathangers | Liv Warfield | Parquet Courts | Hop Along | STRFKR | Unknown Mortal Orchestra | Sheer Mag | Diarrhea Planet | Kyle Craft | Awesome Things at Project Pabst That Aren't Music | Project Pabst Night Shows

Willamette Week

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.