Concert Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra bring intense set to Moore Theatre

Lucky fans were in for a treat tonight as the beautiful Moore Theatre filled up to host Unknown Mortal Orchestra. The band which formed in 2012 was in town supporting their fourth studio album Sex & Food that was released in April. We were thrilled to catch their latest moody tunes live along with an incredible lighting display designed by Zach Sternberg. I have never seen the Moore audience stand during a whole performance and this was testament to the intensity of the music tonight.

As people found their seats, a record player was set on a small table on stage playing songs from various vinyl selections that were rotated. When it was time for the band to come to the stage someone walked over and turned it off as they took their positions and kicked off the set with “Ffunny Ffrends.” Singer/guitarist Ruban Nielson switched positions between the front of the stage, walking over to each side, sitting on a white chair towards the back to rock out solos, or stand in the middle showing us his dance moves. He was wearing all black clothes with Thai boxing shorts over his black tights along with a black hat.

Kody Nielson was dominating on the drums throughout the night as bassist Jake Portrait, and keyboardist Thomas Mabus completed the sound of our angst and desperation. Most of the time the songs would turn into long musical solos where the sound pulled you in, helping you forget everything else for a moment. Ruban Nielson surprised everyone as he jumped into the audience for their fourth song and took to the second balcony playing his guitar for “From the Sun.” This was probably one of my favorite moments of the night but the intensity level didn’t fade.

The crowd swayed like a giant wave when “So Good at Being in Trouble” was played as the lights paraded on stage creating the perfect mood.

The thirteen song set ended with “Multi-Love,” as even though that sounds like a small amount it absolutely makes sense because of their duration. Ruban Nielson started the encore standing alone with a guitar while the rest jumped on stage for the remaining three songs. The magical night finished off with “Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays,” and “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone,” sending the audience home more than happy. It was worth catching these guys live as their music is magnified and perfectly showcased along with their well-produced setup.

Check out more photos from the show HERE.

Sophia Barkalakis

Music is probably the most important part of her life. Sophia is constantly searching for new material, old and new. Always looking forward to the next live show she can attend, ready to immerse herself in the sound. "There is something so magical about attending a live show that you cannot possibly feel from a recording itself that makes it worth going to", she says. She also says she's lucky to be able to combine her passion for music with her obsession of capturing moments. She finds that being able to look at a photograph and be transported to that second of your life is indescribable and she's so grateful for all those great moments.

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