Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s new album was conceived by Ruban Nielson’s band between Palm Springs, California, and Hilo, Hawaii. ‘V’ is influenced by the Californian AOR tradition, classic rock, wacky pop of the past and Hawaiian folkore. It is UMO’s first double album and Nielson reformulates and enriches the road that led his band to their fifth album.
The album was composed by Ruban with the help of his brother and father, Chris Nielson (saxophone and flute), as well as long-time UMO member Jake Portrait. ‘V’ is an album with a cinematic flavour that evokes blue skies, beachside cocktail bars, hotel swimming pools and the darkness that lurks beneath perfect, pristine surfaces.
One of the main goals of ‘V’ for Ruban Nielson was to create music and art that transcended notions of cultural influence, aiming to bring fun back into the music-making process. Enjoy “Lyla”!
This Is Pop? 