“FFunny FFriends” was the peppy Bandcamp track that amassed so much online hype it morphed Ruben Nielson’s bedroom project from an internet mystery into an established, touring band. Yet despite a solid, self-titled LP and loads of acclaim, the first word Nielson sings on Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s II is “isolation.” The band’s sophomore release, out [...]

Monday night (3/12) Aquarium Drunkard Presents Girls w/ Unknown Mortal Orchestra at One Eyed Jacks in New Orleans. We’re giving away three pairs of tickets to AD readers (you can also purchase tickets here). To enter for a pair, leave a comment below with your favorite late night watering hole in NOLA. Winners will be [...]

One of the first animated TV shows I can remember waking up to on a Saturday morning is Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Aside from the humor and charm of a young Bill Cosby, the show’s host, comedian and legendary sweater enthusiast, the program had a dynamite theme song that’s super funky and catchy [...]

Portland, Oregon’s Ruban Nielson (former guitarist for New Zealand’s The Mint Chicks) steers Unknown Mortal Orchestra in many directions (Glam, Soul, Psych). He corners those markets into a cohesive and radioactive brand of flowery, hook-laden rock on “Thought Ballune,” taken from his self-titled, four-song EP. Part classic rock, part Sid and Marty Croft outtake for [...]