Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Oxford Art Factory, 7 Dec 2011

The what: My favourite New Zealand-via-Portland band’s debut Australian headline show. UMO @ OAF

And for those playing at home Ruben used to play guitar in a band called The Mint Chicks. A very good band they were but shit happened and they went their own ways. So Ruben got together with Jake and Julien and UMO were born. But hey, if you wanna know more read their website.

Tonight it’s their debut Australian headline show After touring non-stop for the past few months building up a loyal following. But how does a band with only 9 songs in their catalogue play a proper headline show? They stretch everything out. From the moment Little Blue House  starts it’s drawn-out intros and extended jams. Ruben is a cool cat while he chews gums and holds his guitar at nipple-height and holds it like I play Big Buck Hunter.

So the songs – they all get played. All 9 tracks in their catalogue. Ffunny Ffriends and How Can U Luv Me get especially great responses but I’m down with Boy Witch, coincidentally my favourite track off the album.

The verdict: It’s a short and sweet set. 45 minutes later the show’s over and the buzz seems worthy. Good shit yo.

Rating: