Unknown Mortal Orchestra

II Jagjaguwar***

What began as an under-the-radar offshoot of Ruban Nielson's work with Mint Chicks has flourished into a full-on project for the New Zealander and his Portland bandmates. First time out, Unknown Mortal Orchestra hit the right groove with their fuzzy, nostalgic wig-outs (it probably helped that fellow psych-cadets like Tame Impala were also in the ether at the time) and there's really little change for the second album. It's down to the tunes to make a real difference, and there's plenty to like in how Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark) propels itself on the back of Nielson's superbly fluid and melodic guitarcraft. Elsewhere you'll be reminded of those who paddled in these waters before (from 13th Floor Elevators to Love), though there are decent attempts (From the Sun) to avoid merely scanning the scrapyard for eminently recyclable riffs. unknownmortal orchestra.com

Download:Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark), From the Sun