All this week, the Austin Music Minute presents previews and recommendations to check out during this year’s Austin Psych Fest at Carson Creek Ranch, Friday through Sunday, as well as the pre-party performances Thursday night at Red 7 and the Mohawk.
Today’s AMM preview spotlights a psychedelic trio out of Portland that started out as the home recording project of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ruban Nielson. With the addition of bassist Jacob Portrait and drummer Gregory Rogove, Unknown Mortal Orchestra emerged from the anonymous shadows and was invited to tour the U.S. with Grizzly Bear and Liars.
II is the second album from UMO, very much reflective of Nielson’s knack for wicked grooves, but this one digs further into a wild and warped cerebral adventure mirroring Nielson’s harrowing experiences while on the road.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra performs at the Austin Psych Fest on Saturday night, 9:30 p.m., on the Reverberation Stage. Check the APF website for scheduled bands and performance times.
