ACL Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra

When songwriter Ruban Nielson released Multi-Love, third LP and magnum opus of his Unknown Mortal Orchestra project, he’d traded in the lo-fi psych elements of his previous work for mild R&B, producing a bland-out more notable for its ruminations on a failed polyamorous relationship than its music. What a difference a live shot of ACL Fest energy can make.

Despite a mix so muddy it left stains, the New Zealand-born frontman’s sense of melody and groove rightly asserted itself in the now Oregonian quartet’s festival set. “Like Acid Rain” proved a tentative opener, its attempt to crossbreed Stevie Wonder with bedroom psych a mixed success at best.

An immediate leap into “Necessary Evil,” a peppy, pure pop highlight of Multi-Love, righted the ship immediately, creamy synths (thumbs up to MVP Quincy McCrary on keys), skronk guitar solos, and irresistible rhythm making it a crowd pleaser. After that, the band could do no wrong – at least with its loyal audience.

Winding solos punctuated the askew Beatle-isms of “From the Sun,” raising as many cheers as the Grateful Dead jamming that ended oldie “So Good at Being in Trouble.” The pop hooks of a shuffling “The World is Crowded” and muscular “Ur Life One Night” could catch barracudas. “How Can You Luv Me” inspired spontaneous dancing.

The wildest frugging erupted during the urgent disco-rock of hit “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone,” as perfect a set-closer for which UMO could ever hope.