Produced by Mortal Unknown Orchestra
Ruban Nielson – Vocals/Guitars/Keyboards
Jake Portrait – Bass
Julien Ehrich – Drums
Track listing:
01. Ffunny Ffrends (4:17)
02. Bicycle (4:45)
03. Thought Ballune (4:10)
04. Jello And Juggernauts (3:24)
05. How Can You Luv Me (3:28)
06. Nerve Damage! (2:15)
07. Little Blu House (3:01)
08. Strangers Are Strange (2:24)
09. Boy Witch (2:25)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra was formed by Ruban Nielson after his band the Mint Chicks disbanded. The band released the track “Ffunny Ffrends” on Band Camp in late 2010 while keeping their identity hidden. A self titled 7” released through UK label Sounds of Sweet Nothing was released before this, their debut album, was released in 2011 by Fat Possum.
The Mint Chicks had always been a band to mix pop sensibilities with different genres such as Post Rock and Garage. At times they could be very arty to the point of being divisive but at other time they could produce great pop melodies. UMO are following in that tradition but going in new directions.
The album begins with the first song the band ever released “Ffunny Ffrends”. This song has a nice soul feel with what sounds like a looped drum pattern and groovy bass. In some ways the instrumentation reminds me of the Strokes. The vocals are cool with a high register soul and disco melody. Cool tune.
The next track is “Bicycle” a scratchy track with an incessant drum beat and grimy keyboards. The guitars and vocals share a nice melody.
Following on is “Thought Ballune”. A song that has a cool gritty Stoneseque guitar running through it. The most psychedelic song on the album that is kind of reminiscent of the Flaming Lips more tripped out moments. The vocals have a nice density to them which add to the melody.
“Jello And Juggernauts” is next. The guitars on this are really unusual. Ruban is playing some really nice Classical guitar through a very strange guitar effects. It’s really quite unexpected and interesting clash of genres.
The dancing shoes are strapped on for “How Can You Luv Me”. This song has funk. A strange Disco/Funk/Post Rock love child. Similar to band like MGMT and Passion Pit but more authentic.
The tempo is kept with “Nerve Damage!” but in a very different way. This track is a tidy little Indie Punk song but has a really strange guitar effect going on that mixes the guitar with some kind of vocal sampling.
“Little Blu House” is an electronic song is the style of Beck. The vocals are really strong here and the melody is upbeat and groovy. A fun tune.
The funk is back on “Strangers Are Strange”. Sly and the Family Stone was the marker for this one. The instrumentation on the verses sounds like a 70’s/80’s kids TV program music. Think Sesame Street mixed with Sly?
The album finishes with “Boy Witch”. This is a full on 60’s surf number mixed with early Pink Floyd. Reverb is to the max and features some dirty dirty guitars.
This is a really interesting record. There is so much going on but sound of the record is quite open. Some unusual and interesting instrumentation keeps you guessing and makes for a satisfying listen. I’m really keen to give this one another spin and it makes up in some way that there is likely to be no more Mint Chicks records.
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