'II' by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Release Date: 5th February 2013

Tracklist: From The Sun / Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) / So Good at Being in Trouble / One at a Time / The Opposite of Afternoon / No Need For a Leader / Monki / Dawn / Faded in the Morning / Secret Xtians //

(Deluxe Edition: Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) - Acoustic Version / Faded in the Morning - Acoustic Version / So Good at Being in Trouble - Acoustic Version / Swing Lo Magellan - Acoustic Version / Puttin it Down - Acoustic Verion //

Unknown Mortal Orchestra were not what I expected, but then again that’s why they say never to judge a book by its cover – in saying that, they have a pretty awesome name anyway. They produce this awesome low-fi sound, which for me is the complete opposite of the sort of sound you expect to hear from an orchestra.

The low-fi-ness that’s present for the entirety of the album makes it feel as though there’s this cloud over the sound, which also adds to the tinny (low-fi) recording style of his vocal parts. From The Sun introduces you to their sound so well, showing off their elements of funk, solid bass-lines, and the flourishes on the guitar that lead into the outro as he solos out and into the next track. However chilled and laid back From The Sun sounds the lyrics give off a much more dark and melancholic message: “Isolation, it can put a gun in your hand / if you need to, you can get away from the sun / if you need to, you can throw away the only one”. Swim and Sleep (like a Shark) is one of the tracks that has an acoustic version on the album – it’s one of the tracks that excels as an acoustic track more than it’s recorded version. It focuses on the vocal parts so much more with awesome backing vocals that fill in the higher harmonies while fitting in with the low-fi sound effortlessly. Now, nothing against the original recording, the acoustic version just seems to come together much more easily.

So Good At Being In Trouble is one of the most well known tracks on the album and it’s obvious as to why – with a laid back funk accompaniment, more focus on the walking bass-line as he takes a slight step back compared to the other tracks on the album with his guitar parts (you’re also spoilt for choice with both an acoustic and album version). Secret Xtians has the best bass-lines, kicking the track into gear with the percussion taking the lead, while effortlessly joining the sections together and smoothly accompanying the guitar solo that once again leads the track out.

One at a Time is one of the funkier tracks on the album, incorporating a strong bass-line, an addition of a wah-pedal to his guitar part and changing his voice even further making it feel even more low-fi in the chorus than it previously has: “One at a time / One at a time”. Throughout the album it had already given reminders and elements of The Beatles but once it got to One at a Time that’s when it became extremely reminiscent of them and their style and gives you this 60s kaleidoscopic feel. The chorus is one of the elements that really pushes them towards an era of The Beatles sound.

It’s interesting to see how UMO decided to record themselves on the acoustic versions of the deluxe album as one of their main stylistic features is the consistent use of the low-fi vocals. So, their acoustic versions may not be entirely acoustic as they use a microphone to produce the effect they want but the tracks are just as good. The acoustic version of Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) is one of those tracks, and in my opinion is even better when it’s stripped back to solely the guitar accompaniment to the vocal parts.

This album is full of character and was even better than I expected. UMO incorporate guitar melodies to counter the vocal parts, quick plucked guitar melodies, distorted synths and much more. The addition of the acoustic tracks gives you another side to the group that is needed – it demonstrates that they can deliver not only in the recorded world, and that’s always nice to hear - have a listen to the album below: