Words: Ed Francis
Unknown Mortal Orchestra have dropped the second single off upcoming new album 'Multi-Love', set for release on May 26 via Jagjaguwar.
Over the past nine years, UMO (whose output is almost entirely the solo work of former Mint Chick Ruben Nielsen) have been quietly positioning themselves near the front of the growingly crowded psych-pop scene with a string of addictive releases which wrap melancholic lyrics around smooth funk jams, all of which are recorded straight onto tape for a raw, sincere feel.
Almost two years to the day of the release of second album 'II', the Portland three-piece heralded their return to the psych-funk scene back in February with teaser single 'Multi-Love'. Featuring the band's trademarks popping basslines and breakbeats, but adding in blossoming layers of warm synth and jangling clavicord, the track teased at a significant and welcome development of the group's previously guitar-led sound on the new album.
By contrast, 'Can't Keep Checking My Phone' is a decidedly lower-key jam, which slots back into place all of the twangy, hazy six-string riffs that characterised the highlights of the band's earlier albums such as 'Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)' and 'How Can U Luv Me'. The sense of progression remains intact however, albeit in a more subtle way than on 'Multi-Love', via a noticeably more percussively-varied, dancier beat.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra will be playing dates in support of 'Multi-Love' next month.
MAY
20. BRISTOL Thekla
21. LONDON Islington Assembly Hall
22. COVENTRY Warwick Arts Centre
23. LIVERPOOL Sound City
Listen to 'Can't Keep Checking My Phone' below.
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