Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II (10th Anniversary Edition) - Vinyl LP (Sliver)
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
Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)
Faded in the Morning
So Good At Being In
Trouble
Swing Lo Magellan
Puttin’ It Down
Two Generations of Excess
Waves of Confidence
Brand new stock - Media: Mint: Sleeve: Mint
Unknown Mortal Orchestra came to life in basements and bedrooms, themusical vision of Portlander-via-New Zealand Ruban Nielson that fusedguitar god riffs, choppy percussion, soul and funk. ‘II’, the sophomore album from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, emerged in anera rampant hedonism and isolationism and became the blueprint foreverything Nielson has become renowned for. It was, and is, the solidificationof Unknown Mortal Orchestra as an endlessly intriguing, brave and addictiveband. Ten years on, it’s back with an expanded edition.
Written during a punishing, debauched touring schedule during whichNielson feared for both his sanity and health, ‘II’ illustrates the emotionalturmoil of life on the road, painting surrealist, cartoonish portraits ofloneliness, love and despair. These conflicting themes are evidentimmediately; 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 ‘Into The Sun’ sees Nielson deliver the line“Isolation can put a gun in your hand,” softly, his words starkly intelligibleabove a warm, slow-burning melody that quickly brands itself onto yourbrain. His playful imagery (“I’m so lonely I’ve gotta eat my popcorn all alone”)mirrors the melody, before a solo that borders on psychotropic ends ‘II’’sintroduction.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra are unafraid to dig deeper than the rest, theirintoxicating, opiate groove bringing rock & roll’s exaggerated myths to life.And as it unfolds, ‘II’ does find Nielson reenergized. ‘One At A Time’ and‘Faded In The Morning’ boast dizzying choruses and instrumentals; thesecrusty hunks could have been excavated from a lost 1960s treasure trove.‘Monki’ unravels over seven minutes like the yarn from a stoner’s cardiganwith an eye-frying pattern. ‘Dawn’ is a minute of disconcerting noise thatstands out between the nooks and crannies of the choruses, guitar solos,groove-heavy bass and drums that were recorded live by newly recruiteddrummer Greg Rogove and Kody Nielson in a move away from the electronicpercussion employed on album one. ‘II’ closes with ‘Secret Xtians’, a tenderobservational puzzle that fizzes to a satisfied end.
In celebration of the album’s 10th anniversary, Nielson’s complete collectionfrom the ‘II’ era is finally available in one compilation, and features the fiveacoustic tracks from the ‘Blue’ EP as well as two additional B-sides.Unknown Mortal Orchestra was once Nielson’s closeted concern. With analbum that uses his singular musical imagination and extraordinary talent toparade his emotions with unyielding honesty, it is now a fully realized bandoperating at the peak of its powers ten years on. Pressed on metallic silver ‘Aluminum’ double vinyl. New worldwide tour dates supporting the band’s full catalogue are confirmedthrough 2023 and into 2024.