Description

Unknown Mortal Orchestra came to life in basements and bedrooms, the musical vision of PortlanderviaNew Zealand Ruban Nielson that fused guitar god riffs, choppy percussion, soul and funk.II, the sophomore album from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, emerged in an era rampant hedonism and isolationism and became the blueprint for everything Nielson has become renowned for. It was, and is, the solidification of Unknown Mortal Orchestra as an endlessly intriguing, brave and addictive band. Ten years on, its back with an expanded edition.Written during a punishing, debauched touring schedule during which Nielson feared for both his sanity and health, II illustrates the emotional turmoil of life on the road, painting surrealist, cartoonish portraits of loneliness, love and despair. These conflicting themes are evident immediately on the albums sleeve is an unnerving image of Janet Farrar, the famous British witch, Wiccan, author and teacher of witchcraft.The chilling refrain of opener Into The Sun sees Nielson deliver the line Isolation can put a gun in your hand, softly, his words starkly intelligible above a warm, slowburning melody that quickly brands itself onto your brain. His playful imagery Im so lonely Ive gotta eat my popcorn all alone mirrors the melody, before a solo that borders on psychotropic ends IIs introduction.Unknown Mortal Orchestra are unafraid to dig deeper than the rest, their intoxicating, opiate groove bringing rock amp rolls exaggerated myths to life. And as it unfolds, II does find Nielson reenergized. One At A Time and Faded In The Morning boast dizzying choruses and instrumentals these crusty hunks could have been excavated from a lost 1960s treasure trove. Monki unravels over seven minutes like the yarn from a stoners cardigan with an eyefrying pattern. Dawn is a minute of disconcerting noise that stands out between the nooks and crannies of the choruses, guitar solos, grooveheavy bass and drums that were recorded live by newly recruited drummer Greg Rogove and Kody Nielson in a move away from the electronic percussion employed on album one. II closes with Secret Xtians, a tender observational puzzle that fizzes to a satisfied end.In celebration of the albums 10th anniversary, Nielsons complete collection from the II era is finally available in one compilation, and features the five acoustic tracks from the Blue EP as well as two additional Bsides. Unknown Mortal Orchestra was once Nielsons closeted concern. With an album that uses his singular musical imagination and extraordinary talent to parade his emotions with unyielding honesty, it is now a fully realized band operating at the peak of its powers ten years on.Pressed on metallic silver Aluminum double vinyl.New worldwide tour dates supporting the bands full catalogue are confirmed through 2023 and into 2024. Unknown Mortal Orchestra Double-Vinyl is available for home delivery from Vinyl Records London, only £33 +P&P