WALT 1610

Dylan --
Fresh and hot out of the oven is Unknown Mortal Orchestra's S*x and Food. The fourth studio album from New Zealand/American based artist Ruban Nielson was released just last week and it has already become one of my go to albums to put on as I get ready for my day. Believe it or not, I was not so excited for this album after hearing the singles American Guilt and Not in Love We're Just High. These two singles however were not indicative of what was to come upon release. I believe that this new album is Nielson's most reserved album sonically, however, the lyrics stab my ears and cement themselves into my noodle like no other UMO album has done before. I would consider the general atmosphere of this album to be akin to late seventies, early eighties dance/RnB. The song Hunnybee is the center of this groovy atmosphere. Featuring a four on the floor kit, melody driven bass line, and sporadic horn lines, it is hard to not think of Donna Summer or Marvin Gaye, but Nielson adds his own twist with fuzzy guitar leads and mumbling vocals. Nielson is known for his dance inspired grooves, but they are typically very high energy whereas S*x and Food in general is very laid back or "in the pocket". Lyrically, I enjoyed the final track on the album, If You're Going to Break Yourself, the most. The song focuses on his simultaneous discontent and yearning of his partner. This tension builds as Nielson continually exclaims "If you're going to break yourself/You're gonna break me" in order to drive home the emotional agony he feels with his relationship. These lyrics have nested themselves into my ears with their immense harmonic satisfaction. The molasses like delivery is so pleasant and is tastefully used as to not become over bearing. I enjoy the live version that Nielson and his brother Kody perform with just an acoustic guitar and a vocoder. Wake up a few minutes early one day and throw on this live version, I know you will enjoy it over your cup of coffee.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - If You're Going To Break Yourself (6 Music Live Room) Watch Unknown Mortal Orchestra perform a stripped back version of a new album track in the 6 Music Live Room. The New Zealand brothers Ruban and Kody perform...

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