Based in Portland and led by New Zealander Ruban Nielsan, there’s is a lot I love in this first album from band Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Vocals, by Neilsan himself, for one. The best word I’ve found to describe them is texture. They are gritty and almost… fuzzy? In many ways, just another instrument to play along side some very catchy funk inspired beats. It isn’t just funk inspired in sound though. Mostly, you hear that in the guitars and feel it in the urge to dance a little when How Can You Luv Me comes on. At times it feels a bit trippy and psychadelic, too. None of it is too heavy handed, though, and I really appreciate that. It’s weird music, but in the very very best way.
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