Video: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, "Necessary Evil"

An abstract pastel- and drug-infused cartoon love story.

By Matthew Singer

Unknown Mortal Orchestra's Multi-Love is, unquestionably, one of the best albums of the year—not just from Portland, but anywhere—and while it's got plenty of bangers, even the more subdued moments are great. "Necessary Evil" is one such highlight, a hungover piece of '70s-style soul-jazz. When I hear it, I see early morning hues of orange and red over a metropolitan skyline. Apparently, Sean Solomon, director of the "Necessary Evil" video, sees something much different—more pastels, more drugs, more fucked-up cartoons. In a press release, Solomon explains the concept thusly: "The video is an abstract love story about two characters whose insecurities and paranoia eventually drive them apart. I tried to show both character's perspectives using elements from the lyrics." Unsurprisingly, the show debuted on AdultSwim.com, and is slated to trip out stoners across the country when it airs during Cartoon Network's "Toonami" block on Nov. 21.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra next local show is at Revolution Hall on Jan. 30.

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Matthew Singer

Matthew Singer

A native Southern Californian, former Arts & Culture Editor Matthew Singer ruined Portland by coming here in 2008. He is an advocate for the canonization of the Fishbone and Oingo Boingo discographies, believes pro-wrestling is a serious art form and roots for the Lakers. Fortunately, he left Portland for Tucson, Arizona, in 2021.

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