Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Multi-Love (Jagjaguwar)
Unknown Mortal Orchestra have a knack for creating 3D kaleidoscope-pop that transcends space and time. With Multi-Love, their third album, the 3D becomes literal: nearly every song is inspired by lead vocalist/songwriter Ruban Nielson’s recent experience with polyamory and its disturbing affect on his longtime marriage. This is documented and summarized in the title track, “Multi-Love”. Nielsen sings “Multi-Love got me on my knee / We were one then become three,” overtop of a sharp, climactic organ melody and arpeggiating sitar. The result is a dazzling, euphoric tale of caution and regret.
UMO have come a long way from their debut album, which put the emphasis on early garage-funk grooves and affected drum loops. They retain their old ways in songs like “Necessary Evil” and “Puzzles”, where the rhythm is lush yet punchy, and have an under-polished charm. But Multi-Love sounds like a songwriter entering his prime. Creativity in his personal and professional life is channeled into wild and wonderful song-craft, and the boundaries of genre become elastic.
Rating: ★★★★1/2
