Unknown Mortal Orchestra Sign to Jagjaguwar

As Unknown Mortal Orchestra, New Zealand by-way-of Portland songwriter and guitarist Ruban Nielson marries psychedelia with sharp soul touchstones. Timeless pop hooks are produced with a soft buzzsaw edge so that the effect is akin to Stevie Wonder turning Plastic Ono Band into Nuggets-like gems. With bassist Jacob Portrait and drummer Greg Rogrove, Unknown Mortal Orchestra is preparing a full-length for Jagjaguwar in early 2013. In the meantime, the band have a number of upcoming North American tour dates, including an East Coast run with Grizzly Bear.

To celebrate news of their signing and the launch of their tour with Grizzly Bear, the band has shared a first taste from the new album.  The song, “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark),” is a bittersweet romp with melodies more delicate than most approaching the genre would dare. Its b-side, the 7″-only “Waves of Confidence,” is slow-grind sizzurp psych that, by its end, has built and layered to transcendent heights. This limited 7-inch will be exclusively available at UMO’s tour with Grizzly Bear in September.

09/18/12 Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium w/ Grizzly Bear
09/20/12 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club – SOLD OUT w/ Grizzly Bear
09/21/12 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club – SOLD OUT w/ Grizzly Bear
09/22/12 Boston, Ma – Orpheum Theater w/ Grizzly Bear
09/23/12 Montreal, QC – Olympia de Montreal w/ Grizzly Bear
09/24/12 New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall w/ Grizzly Bear
09/26/12 Toronto, ON – Massey Hall w/ Grizzly Bear
09/28/12 Cincinnati, OH – Midpoint Music Festival
09/29/12 Champaign, IL – Pygmalion Music Festival
09/30/12 Milwaukee, WI – The Pabst Theater w/ Dirty Projectors
10/01/12 Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme w/ Pistolbrides
10/02/12 Akron, OH – Annabell’s Bar and Lounge
10/03/12 Annapolis, MD – Metropolitan Kitchen w/ Sun Club
10/05/12 Los Angeles, CA – Taix
10/12/12 Cholula, MX – Campestre Don Juan
10/13/12 Mexico City, MX – Corona Capital Festival
10/28/12 Christchuch, NZ – Rhythm and Alps Festival
10/30/12 Phillip Island, AU – Pyramid Rock Festival
12/31/12 Peats Ridge, AU – Peats Ridge Sustainable Arts & Music Festival

 

Advertisement

Looking for something new to listen to?

Sign up to our all-new newsletter for top-notch reviews, news, videos and playlists.