Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO), led by New Zealand-born multi-instrumentalist Ruban Nielson, has redefined modern psychedelia since emerging in 2010 with the viral track "Ffunny Ffriends." Known for blending lo-fi aesthetics with elements of funk, soul, and rock, UMO's self-titled debut album in 2011 earned critical praise for its inventive sound. Follow-up albums like II (2013) and Multi-Love (2015) explored themes of relationships and identity, with Nielson's signature falsetto and introspective lyrics at the forefront. UMO’s sound continued to evolve with Sex & Food (2018) and V (2023), the latter reflecting sun-drenched melodies and Hawaiian influences inspired by Nielson’s heritage. Renowned for their electrifying live shows, the band has headlined festivals and built a dedicated global fanbase. With their genre-defying approach, Unknown Mortal Orchestra remains a singular force in contemporary alternative music.
