V – Jagjaguwar
14 tracks in all, one hour run-time… A generally more uplifting album in terms of sound from the now Portland based trio (they started in New Zealand). It is Lo-Fi psych rock at its most raw and basic. The funky 70s rocking sensibilities mixed with minimalist arrangements and explorations. This may be their most complete album, as it seems to have more depth in terms of lyrics and a strong, musical foundation that comes from producing music over the last 12 years.
There are four super funky instrumentals on the album – tracks 4, 8, 12, and 14. They are used as interludes between the jazzy trip-rock throughout. Track 9, “Weekend Run,” has yacht-rock influences and signals towards the greatness of weekend plans with a loved one. Track 3, “Meshuggah,” has a bounce and dance rhythm that flows with a disco-drum beat. “Nadja,” (track 11) hits a mellow vibe, a sort of love song where the main character is missing his lover.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra are the sort of band that rarely varies it’s sound, but the in the clouds psychedelia and simple sounds make for quite the pleasing listen. A fine gem of an album.
Track listing –
1: The Garden
2: Guilty Pleasures
3: Meshuggah
4: The Widow
5: In The Rear View
6: That Life
7: Layla
8: Shin Ramyun
9: Weekend Run
10: The Beach
11: Nadja
12: Keaukaha
13: I Killed Captain Cook
14: Drag
My faves are: 9**, 11**, 3**, 6**, 10*, and 13*.
– (h)earwitness