It’s one of those albums that made me wonder, how am I just discovering them now?
Top Tracks: A God Called Hubris, Major League Chemicals, Hunnybee, Not in Love We’re Just High
Rating: 7.5/10
By: Jackie Reed
What a trip. Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Sex & Food (2018) is one jammer after another. These New Zealanders manage to fuse atmospheric jazz undertones, grunged-out guitar, and crisp drum samples into a master setlist.
“A God Called Hubris” is a quick slurred intro, acting like an open call for all ears. Then the second song, “Major League Chemicals” transitions with full force. This jazzy rock collaborative intensifies with reverbed guitar and complex drum riffs, even with a delayed first verse.
Songs “Ministry of Alienation” and “Hunnybee” follow. Though they don’t administer the same energy as previous songs, they do attain a chilled-out, catchy vibe. “The Internet of Love (That Way)” and “Not in Love We’re Just High” share a similar mood. Their experimental vocals and abrupt instrumentals are worth sticking around to.
As a new fan of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, this album made me wonder, “how am I just discovering them now?” Sex & Food is an admirable collection of psychedelic rock out to push musical thresholds, blow minds, and cultivate a greater following.
