About This Item
Unknown Mortal Orchestra came to life in basements and bedrooms, the musical vision of Portlander-via-New Zealand Ruban Nielson that fused guitar-god riffs, choppy percussion, soul and funk. II, the sophomore album from UMO, 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, it's 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 album's sleeve is an unnerving image of Janet Farrar, the famous British witch, Wiccan, author and teacher of witchcraft. The chilling refrain of opener InchInto The SunInch sees Nielson deliver the line InchIsolation can put a gun in your hand,Inch softly, his words starkly intelligible above a warm, slow-burning melody that quickly brands itself onto your brain. His playful imagery (InchI'm so lonely I've gotta eat my popcorn all aloneInch) mirrors the melody, before a solo that borders on psychotropic ends II's introduction. UMO is unafraid to dig deeper than the rest, their intoxicating, opiate groove bringing rock'n'roll's exaggerated myths to life. And as it unfolds, II does find Nielson reenergized. InchOne At A TimeInch and InchFaded In The MorningInch boast dizzying choruses and instrumentals; these crusty hunks could have been excavated from a lost 1960s treasure trove. InchMonkiInch unravels over seven minutes like the yarn from a stoner's cardigan with an eye-frying pattern. InchDawnInch is a minute of disconcerting noise that stands out between the n
