Hello? Is anyone there? Because I'M BACK, WHERE ARE WE GOIN? This project, Circle of Friendz, where I totally haven't bitten off more than I can chew I swear, is back! I'm really glad to be back in the swing of things, being on a bit of a writing kick as of late. What better way is there to kick off what I shall henceforth call the second season of Circle of Friendz than with an artist newly invited into the Gorillaz family with Song Machine, Unknown Mortal Orchestra! Feels a little odd talking about them now, as Song Machine doesn't even officially come out until 11pm in my timezone as of the time I'm writing this opener, but it builds me up some hype. [EDIT: It's out!] Before I indulge myself in their track Severed Head with Goldlink, let's dive into their self-titled 2011 debut.
Ffunny Ffrends starts things off on the right foot. Its timeless lyricism about friendship comes matched with a really sticky guitar riff and chorus to create what sounds like a portrait of warm summer days long past. It makes sense learning after hearing the album that this was the big lead single, having made waves on Pitchfork and other music sites. If someone's bringing up this album to me, the first song that comes to mind is Ffunny Ffrends. If we're talking highlights, I'd also point you toward Thought Ballune. It has one of the best lines on an album, opening with "Building islands in the sky while I'm a prisoner in my own mind." I really emphasize with that struggle, trying to stay creative while feeling trapped and lost in your thoughts. It's quite relatable. Right after that on the album comes its best song, Jello and Juggernauts. The hilarious opening line "Looks like a bag of Cheetos exploded" is not just the best way I've heard a metaphorical bloodbath described, but also my favorite lyric on this album. While that line is funny, what comes after it in the song comes this album at its most thought-provoking. In my view, it's about writing and making art despite all the strange things that happen in life and the societal issues plaguing the world and the potentially harsh judgement from others, "the fears and judgements I'll never understand."
From there, single How Can You Luv Me picks up the pace a little and Nerve Damage adds a punk edge with some cool twanging guitars, even though I'm not a huge fan of the vocals on it and it's the one I'm anticipating the least when I'm hearing this album front to back. Boy Witch closes out the album on a good note. It's the strangest sounding song and the one with the most going on sonically, from birds tweeting to chimes to the shifts between softer and rougher sounds, like the "MAKE IT SHOUT" done in the same vocal style as Nerve Damage. If you haven't yet, check out the live performances of this song too. Those are 3 times the length of the studio version, a lot punkier and have some sick guitar playing, it improves on the studio version quite a bit.
As a whole, Unknown Mortal Orchestra's debut is a pretty solid album with some neat guitarwork and catchy throwback songs. I do mean throwback, it sounds like a lost piece of late 60's psychedelic pop unearthed in our times. It keeps a nice vibe going through its brisk 9 tracks and 30 minute runtime. However, I don't think even the highs are super standout. It feels... somewhat slight? It doesn't blow me away, but it's still a nice debut effort. I'll check out the rest of their stuff. 7/10.
Feels pretty good to be back writing something after so long away. While usually Circle of Friendz is randomized, I chose this specifically because it would be a light, quick, fun record to talk about to get me back in the swing of things again. Honestly, I'm fine going without randomization, though I'm sure if I can't decide what to review at some point I'll lean back on it again. I'm not sure what collaborator is up next, but I do know I'm writing about Song Machine, Season 1. See ya then.
