Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Islington Assembly Hall

As the name suggests, Unknown Mortal Orchestra are a band who revel in mystery. The trio first appeared in late 2010 in a shroud of anonymity, posting the obscurely titled and unfathomably catchy ‘FFunny Ffriends’ on an otherwise inscrutable Bandcamp page.
But for all the smoke and mirrors, you could hardly fail to recognise the band’s obvious musical gifts. ‘Ffunny Ffriends’ was soon followed by the equally infectious lo-fi rumble of ‘How Can U Luv Me?’ and in 2011 both tracks found their way onto the band’s debut album.
Recorded using a mix of tape and digital methods, the self-titled debut was at once achingly nostalgic and unmistakably modern. A winning composite of funk, psychadelia and dream pop, it sounded like little else. In 2013, the band returned with their sophomore release, the rather unimaginatively titled II. From the dreamy swoon of ‘Swim and Sleep (Like A Shark)’ to the languorous groove of ‘So Good At Being In Trouble’, the trio showed that they were still very much capable of crafting perfect pop songs.
On May 26, Unknown Mortal Orchestra are due to release their third album Multi-Love. The band have already shared the title track which proves a charming mix of candied melodicism, rhythmic vitality, and sleek production. They play Islington Assembly Hall on May 21. This is set to be a mesmerising performance from one of indie music’s most evasive but rewarding groups.