Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra describe their own music as a “vision of junkshop collector pop.” The Pitchfork review of the group’s debut LP compares them to Cults and Sleigh Bells. All three groups are minimalists to some extent, although Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s sonic palette is a bit more expansive than the other two. To be sure, this record has some engaging, pleasant moments of pop sincerity. I smile a little bit every time the crunchy lead guitar joins in unison with Ruben Nielson’s vocal. Indeed, the band has several clever musical tricks up its sleeve. “How Can You Luv Me” and “Thought Ballune” in particular make for nice little summer ditties. When I’m looking for cute, lyrically superficial, riff-based pop music, though, I prefer Sleigh Bells’ in-your-face, louder-than-thou aesthetic to Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s unassuming lo-fi stylings. The band is rarely boring, but I’d love to see them emphasize the dirtier, more aggressive elements of their sound. The group also describes their music as “alien beatnick pop.” If that’s the case, these aliens are more intent on pleasant intergalactic dialogue than a full-on invasion.
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