Ruban Nielson, the driving force behind Unknown Mortal Orchestra, illustrates the duality of his artistic identity as both a mainstream pop synth craftsman and an avant-garde music explorer. This is particularly evident in the band's IC album series, which began in 2018, allowing them to stretch their sound through collaboration with local musicians worldwide. The latest installment, recorded in Bogotá, sees a shift from earlier work; Nielson focuses on rhythm and collaboration rather than guitar solos, creating a vibrant sonic tapestry rich in grooves and influences, while continuing to push musical boundaries.
Over the past decade and a half, Unknown Mortal Orchestra conductor Ruban Nielson has often resembled two different artists wrestling for control over the same soul.
The IC (Improvisation/Collaboration) album series, launched in 2018, ventures deeper into foreign territory by capturing extended instrumental jam sessions with local musicians.
Bogotá sees Ruban flanked by a familiar cast of long-time UMO associates, focusing on grooves and DIY basement-club beats instead of spotlight-stealing solos.
Even though Unknown Mortal Orchestra outgrew its home-recording roots long ago, their work has continually explored the boundaries of sound and collaboration.
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