Unknown Mortal Orchestra: IC-01 Hanoi Album Review

Story posted October 29, 2018 in Arts & Entertainment by Jack Grossman.

After a successful album release in April, as well as an equally successful international tour, garage rock band Unknown Mortal Orchestra released IC-01 Hanoi, an entire instrumental-based album. These tracks are based on the recording sessions of their last album, Sex & Food. While sounding similar to the classic dream pop and grunge hybrid that the band is known for, this album takes a lot more creative liberties from the band than ever before with variety in its instruments, song length and genre of music being played. It is an album that is not playing by conventional rules and is able to bring unique ideas and feelings forward without words in a remarkable manner.

As mentioned, IC-01 Hanoi consists of entirely instrumental tracks. But interestingly, the band does not necessarily stick to one genre. The first two tracks both feature traditional garage rock sounds led entirely by the guitar. It’s a traditional style for Unknown Mortal Orchestra to fall into and they do not disappoint.

“Hanoi 3” is where the notable differences start to occur: the lead instrument is the flute. A somewhat jarring and welcome change to be had, it provides the listener with a very calm and even tranquil feeling. “Hanoi 4” returns to the guitar, but this time, it’s done in a very rigid and funk-inspired style. The fifth track uses a lot of synthesizers and other effects piping through and dominating most of it, continuing the funk trend set up.

“Hanoi 6” is really where this album displays its true colors: a loving tribute to the likes of Miles Davis. The saxophone takes on an entity of its own, completely dictating how the track plays. Combined with the darker, punkish and dirty feel UMO is known for, this track proves exactly how diverse these musicians are in their field.

“Hanoi 7” closes the album by providing a recap of everything we’ve heard: the classic wailings of the guitar, the overlooking presence of the flute and even small appearances of the saxophone from the previous track. It’s a fantastic way to round off this experimental piece while neatly giving the listener a quick victory lap around what UMO has put out.

This piece is one of the more experimental albums put out in a very long time, as it deviates from what could be considered as “traditional” sound, especially that of garage rock. However, this odyssey into different genres, sounds and tones is not something that should be simply passed over. While certainly a step in a different direction compared to previous albums, Unknown Mortal Orchestra has put out something entirely new that is a nice and welcome accompanying piece to their discography.

Hopefully, these experimentation sessions continue in their traditional work, as it could give the band a more unique and differing edge to stand out among the others in the garage rock genre. This album appeals to the idea of experimentation and being different, and Unknown Mortal Orchestra does so very proficiently.

Rating: 7/10

 

Jack Grossman is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jackdgrossman@gmail.com.