Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) is a New Zealand psychedelic rock band formed in Auckland, primarily composed of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Ruban Nielson, and bassist Jacob Portrait. The band is based in Portland, Oregon, US. Nielson started the band in 2009. The band's first album was released in 2011 on Fat Possum Records; four subsequent studio albums have been released on Jagjaguwar, the most recent being V (2023).

Latest Articles

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra @ Sydney Opera House

Unknown Mortal Orchestra provided a smorgasbord at their Sydney Opera House concert, sampling their five dynamic and genre-defying albums.

News / Music

Faye Webster, Steve Lacy, Unknown Mortal Orchestra & More Hosting Laneway Festival Sideshows

Some of the biggest artists in indie and R&B circles, plus some much-hyped up-and-comers, have announced Laneway Festival sideshows.

Reviews / Album

Album Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - IC-01 Hanoi

"These “songs” obviously hold some significance for the band, who recorded some if not all in Vietnam and who were impressed enough to approve its release."

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

"An onslaught of fuzzy guitar goodness and trademark bittersweet sentiment, encouraging us all to colour outside the lines."

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Body Type

"The Enmore audience were sure to remember this genre-bending set, which showcased new and old, psych and R&B, mind-bending guitar solos and thought-provoking choruses."

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Divide & Dissolve

"Nielson decides to jump off-stage, guitar in tow, and circle the whole venue, signalling his intentions right off the bat."

Features / Music

Unknown Mortal Orchestra: From Introverted Albums To Celebratory Live Shows

With a new album out and an Aussie tour on the way, Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra chats politics, paranoia and scheduling with Rod Whitfield.

News / Music

Brisbane Festival Announces Stacked 2018 Program

This is huge!

Reviews / Album

Album Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Sex & Food

"Yet another curious chapter in Nielson's ever-meandering career path."

News / Music

Unknown Mortal Orchestra Drop Details For Massive National Tour

Their first since 2015!

Reviews / Live

Live Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Alex Cameron

"Ruban Nielson is active on stage, unleashing a blistering solo letting everyone know that the crackling gusto of old is still there."