Unknown Mortal Orchestra's V

plus, the rest of my UMO collection!

happy friday!

i’m excited to share that this collection review begins with a brand new release: Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s V. the band’s 5th album is out today (3/17) and i got my pre-order copy a little earlier this week.

since the album is so fresh, i won’t give the full play-by-play. but here’s some thoughts from the first listen:

• singer Ruban Nielson beautifully pays homage to his Hawaiian roots across the record.

• there are a few more instrumental tracks than prior records — an aspect i really enjoy.

• the band’s general melancholic tune co-exists with a sense of optimism and hopefulness for a balanced, hour-long listen.

followed by a list of my instant favorites (many of which were singles anyway): “Layla,” “Weekend Run,” “Meshuggah,” “Keaukaha,” and “That Life.” you can review the album’s Bandcamp page for the press release if you want more insight on the inspirations and development.

the liner notes and limited-edition purple vinyl for UMO’s V

the gatefold image for V

next, i mentioned in the review for II that i would circle back to my overall UMO collection. check out all the vinyl in one photo below:

clockwise from top left: Multi-Love (2015), II (2013), V (2023), Unknown Mortal Orchestra (2011)

the only record missing is Sex & Food, the band's 4th album. at time of post, i have since ordered this vinyl to complete the collection. i’ll write about this one upon the album’s anniversary next month and i will update the full photo of the collection.¹

now, let’s briefly review the albums not previously discussed. first up, the band’s contemplative and morose self-titled debut from 2011, with standout tracks like “Ffunny Ffrends,” “Bicycle,” “How Can You Luv Me,” and “Little Blu House.”

Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s debut album (2011)

the first time i saw the band live was in support of their second album II, where they played a handful of tracks from the debut as well.

for continuity’s sake, you can revisit the II review below ICYMI.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s II

we’ll end with 2015’s Multi-Love, which is currently my second favorite (after II). it’s a tongue-in-cheek take on polyamory if you couldn’t tell by the name. this album is well known for its title track, as well as favorites including “Like Acid Rain,” “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone,” “The World is Crowded,” and “Necessary Evil.” i had high hopes for this album after II, so i pre-ordered the deluxe album bundle seen below.

clockwise from top left: the record cover for UMO’s Multi-Love (2015), the record sleeve, the limited-edition pink splatter vinyl, SB-01/SB-02 on vinyl, the Multi-Love cd, and a poster that were all included in the deluxe album bundle.

Multi-Love coincided with the inaugural release of the band's SB series on vinyl. the psychedelic SB EPs include a set of 15+ minute long instrumental journeys.² this series bridges the minimal gap between their studio records and live shows, as you will experience this type of jam session during UMO's concerts.

the deluxe bundle also included a matching patch, which is ironed onto the back of my trusted, grungy denim jacket. next, i have a signed ticket and a t-shirt from the Multi-Love tour. finally, i didn’t forget the aforementioned pic with Ruban Nielson, where i am wearing the tour shirt.³

there’s quite a lot to explore here, so happy listening! i know i’ll be spinning V again this weekend.

1. consider this a 3-part series. i’ll organize the collection in chronological order next time around!

2. the band is now on SB-10, released 2/1/2023.

3. i don’t usually put the tour merch on during the show, but i believe i bought it before the show started to avoid my size selling out. plus, i had to keep my hands free to groove!!