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Fat Possum (2011)

By JILLIAN MAPES | June 29, 2011

3.0 Stars

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Fat Possum is having perhaps its best year . . . well, ever. Not only will the Mississippi label turn over a new leaf by releasing the debut album from Odd Future duo MellowHype later this month, their 2011 batting average for jangly little lo-fi gems has been, to say the least, reliable. So it comes as little surprise that hot on the heels of debuts from some of indie's most promising up-and-comers (Smith Westerns, Bass Drum of Death, Yuck) comes an impressive premiere from Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Via Portland, Oregon, the mysterious trio sound straight out of the Elephant 6 universe and deliver lithe melodies that — despite their sunny agility — find a way to stick in your head even in dark times. Opening track "Ffunny Ffrends," like half or so of the album's nine tracks, tempers touches of trip-hop drum-and-bass against guitar riffs that manage to be both far-out and funky without a hint of faux-retro predictability. "Jello and Juggernauts" starts off like Hendrix playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" on exceptionally warped vinyl — in the best way possible. As Unknown Mortal Orchestra wears on, there is some loosening of the pop reins, ending the album on a wandering psychedelic journey reminiscent of Grizzly Bear. A nice trip indeed.