Unknown Mortal Orchestra Fat Possum ****

Enigmas and mysteries are all very well - and Portland's Unknown Mortal Orchestra were successful in keeping their identity secret until recently - but they're just smokescreens if the act doesn't have the means to back up the manufactured mystique. No such problems here, fortunately. Fronted by Ruban Nielson, formerly of New Zealand power-pop group Mint Chicks, UMO's debut album is a fully-formed psych-rock humdinger with glorious tunes glistening in the sun. The hooks you'll find on Ffunny Ffriends, Boy Witchand How Can You Luv Me?are irresistible; fuzzy shards of out-there funky pop packed with natural songwriting highs. The chops behind the scene are considerable; Nielson and comrades can roll out brilliant riffs at will and keep up the magic throughout. A big ol' hit, from start to finish. See unknownmortalorchestra.com

Download tracks: Ffunny Ffriends, Boy Witch, How Can You Luv Me?