UMO is back in North America as they prepare to wrap up the end of their tour. We got to experience an  incredible setlist full of hits and new favorites at South Austin’s Far Out Lounge. UMO creator and  frontman Ruban Nielson appeared onstage to wild applause from fans, but that applause gave way to a  hushed solo melody from his guitar.  

It was “From the Sun”, a sobering tune from the Portland-based band’s second studio album, II. Then  effortlessly they transitioned into a rendition of “Secret Xtians”, the final track from the same album.  

Longtime fans in Austin were delighted as the band broke out into the upbeat “Swim and Sleep (Like a  Shark)” and “The Opposite of Afternoon”. The basslines from Jacob Portrait were especially nasty in the  latter—it was hard not to get into it. 

They continued down memory lane, dusting off deep cuts from the self-titled album “Thought Ballune” and “Little Blu House”. There was an especially exciting transition from “So Good at Being in Trouble” into a bluesy jam of “Waves of Confidence”, melding in riffs reminiscent of post-punk and jazz. It was a  serious jam.  

It was hard to ask for more hits. The crowd went wild for “Multi-Love”, “That Life”, and “Hunnybee”. And  if they weren’t already dancing, UMO expertly brought the set to a close with “Can’t Keep Checking My  Phone”. The live version was incredibly fun, and the vibes were electric. 

It’s hard to ask for a better experience at a show. We don’t always see crowds and performers resonate  with each other as we did at this show, but it just made it that much better. Unknown Mortal Orchestra  has succeeded at the difficult task of making each and every show special.

Review & Photos by: Chris Murphy

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