Unknown Mortal Orchestra II
Unknown Mortal Orchestra · 2013
40 min · 10 tracks · psychedelic rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of lo-fi psychedelia and soulful melodies, inviting listeners into a richly textured auditory experience.
Top tracks — play these first
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From the Sun — The opening track sets a vibrant tone with its infectious groove and layered melodies, encapsulating the album's exploration of longing and connection.
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So Good at Being in Trouble — This song stands out for its catchy chorus and poignant storytelling, illustrating themes of personal conflict and emotional complexity.
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Faded in the Morning — A reflective piece that combines delicate instrumentation with melancholic lyrics, this track showcases the band's ability to evoke deep emotion through simplicity.
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Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) — With its playful yet surreal vibe, this track highlights the band's knack for merging whimsical elements with serious undertones, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends ethereal melodies with lo-fi production, creating a unique psychedelic rock experience.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more subdued, reflective tone.
- Several songs utilize layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, textured soundscape, particularly in 'Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)'.
- The album closes with 'Secret Xtians', which employs a lo-fi production style that contrasts sharply with the polished sound of earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with resolutions
- dreamy soundscapes for reflection
- short tracks for focused listening
- ethereal melodies for daydreaming
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2013, II marked Unknown Mortal Orchestra's sophomore effort, following their self-titled debut that garnered critical acclaim. The album showcased the band's evolution in sound, blending more polished production with their signature psych-rock aesthetic.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tame Impala· Pond· MGMT
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 From the Sun 4:44
- 2 Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) 2:45
- 3 So Good at Being in Trouble 3:50
- 4 One at a Time 2:29
- 5 The Opposite of Afternoon 5:26
- 6 No Need for a Leader 5:45
- 7 Monki 7:19
- 8 Dawn 1:08
- 9 Faded in the Morning 4:22
- 10 Secret Xtians 2:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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