Feb 24, 2023 By Mark Redfern

Welcome to the eighth Songs of the Week of 2023. Thanks in part to the Presidents Day holiday on Monday, the week was light on big album announcements, but there were still enough worthy songs to pick from. More

Feb 22, 2023 By Mark Redfern

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (the project led by New Zealand-born Ruban Nielson) are releasing a new album, V, on March 17 via Jagjaguwar. Now they have shared its newest single, “Nadja,” via a music video. More

Feb 02, 2023 By Mark Redfern

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of New Zealand-born Ruban Nielson) have announced a new album, V, and shared a new song from it, “Layla,” via a music video. More

Oct 25, 2022 By Joey Arnone

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of New Zealand-born Ruban Nielson) have shared a video for their new single, “I Killed Captain Cook.” They have also announced a North American and U.K. tour for 2023. More

Nov 09, 2021 By Joey Arnone

Philadelphia-based punk quartet Empath have announced the release of a new album, Visitor, which will be out on February 11 via Fat Possum. The band has also shared a video for its lead single, “Diamond Eyelids.” More

Jul 28, 2021 By Mark Redfern

London-based singer Arlo Parks released her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, back in January via Transgressive. Now she has shared a remix of the album’s “Too Good,” done by Unknown Mortal Orchestra. More

Jun 25, 2021 By Mark Redfern

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of New Zealand-born Ruban Nielson) has shared a new song, “Weekend Run.” More

Feb 09, 2021 By Joey Arnone

Westerman has shared a new remix from Unknown Mortal Orchestra of the song “Drawbridge” from his debut album, Your Hero is Not Dead. More

Oct 26, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

Julia Holter has released a new album, Aviary, today via Domino and it’s our Album of the Week. More

Oct 26, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) released a new album, Sex & Food, back in April via Jagjaguwar. Today they have released another new 2018 album, IC-01 Hanoi. More

Sep 28, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

We tend to avoid including cover versions in our Songs of the Week list, as they are not truly new songs, but this week we have included two notable ones in our main list. We also rarely include live songs in our Top 10 songs, but have made a big exception this week. More

Sep 25, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) released a new album, Sex & Food, back in April via Jagjaguwar. Now they have announced another new 2018 album, IC-01 Hanoi, and shared a track from it, the nine-minute long “Hanoi 06.” More

Jun 05, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) released a new album, Sex & Food, back in April via Jagjaguwar. Now they have shared a video for the album’s “Hunnybee.” Greg Sharp animated and directed the clip, as he has done for the other videos for the album, which were also animated in a similar style. The video features a train journey that is at first peaceful, but then fraught with potential danger. More

Apr 06, 2018 By Chris Davidson

In the Google’s documentary, Merge Records: 25 Years in 24 Minutes, Wye Oak frontwoman Jenn Wasner discusses how the help she received from label cofounder Laura Ballance kept the band continuing even after Wasner’s romantic breakup with drummer Andy Stack. Fortunately, for us, the band sounds stronger than ever at 12 years old and with the release of their sixth LP, The Louder I Call, The Faster It Runs. More

Apr 06, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) released a new album, Sex & Food, today via Jagjaguwar. Now previous single “Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays” also has an animated video. Greg Sharp animated and directed the clip, which features a crazy sex- and drug-fueled party that gets out of hand and features a lot of flies (flies being a visual theme of Sex & Food). More

Mar 30, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

FYF Fest has announced its 2018 lineup. The event is due to take place July 21 and 22 at Los Angeles’ Exposition Park. The headliners are Florence and the Machine and Janet Jackson. More

Mar 28, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

Under the Radar is excited to announce the full details of our Spring 2018 Issue, which is out now digitally via Under the Radar’s app and the magazine apps Readly and Zinio. The print version has shipped out to subscribers and stores and will be on all newsstands soon. The issue features Courtney Barnett on the cover. More

Mar 23, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

Last week we skipped Songs of the Week. Most of the music industry was in Austin for SXSW and thus few notable songs were shared last week, leaving us with not enough contenders to even put together a Top 5 we were truly excited about. So this week’s Songs of the Week mainly covers this week, but has a few songs from last week, including the song that would’ve been our #1 last week if we’d done a list. Hence we have a Top 12 this week. More

Mar 23, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) are releasing a new album, Sex & Food, on April 6 via Jagjaguwar. Previously they shared its first single, “American Guilt” (as well as a video for the song), announced some tour dates for the spring, and shared another song from the album, “Not in Love We’re Just High,” via an animated video (it was one of our Songs of the Week). Now they have shared another song from the album, “Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays.” More

Mar 02, 2018 By Mark Redfern

It was another good week for new songs. Any of our Top 3 songs could’ve been our #1 and we also quite enjoyed CHVRCHES’ collaboration with The National‘s Matt Berninger (on a weaker week that probably would’ve been #1). More

Feb 27, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand-born/Portland-based Unknown Mortal Orchestra (mainly the project of Ruban Nielson) are releasing a new album, Sex & Food, on April 6 via Jagjaguwar. Previously they shared its first single, “American Guilt,” as well as a video for the song, and announced some tour dates for the spring. Now they have shared another song from the album, “Not in Love We’re Just High,” via an animated video directed by Greg Sharp that mainly features hands playing the song on a piano. More

Feb 08, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra recently shared a new song, “American Guilt,” and announced some tour dates for the spring. Now they have officially announced their new album, Sex & Food, and shared a video for “American Guilt.” Sex & Food is due out April 6 via Jagjaguwar. More

Jan 26, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

After two weeks of a plethora of tracks vying to be one of our Songs of the Week, this week the pickings were slimmer. Thus this week we have only nine best songs, instead of 10. There were also a lot of covers this week. More

Jan 23, 2018 By Christopher Roberts

New Zealand’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra have shared a new song, “American Guilt,” and announced some tour dates for the spring. More

Jul 18, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

Back in May Unknown Mortal Orchestra shared a brand new song, “First World Problem,” the New Zealand band’s first new song since their excellent 2015 album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). More

Jun 08, 2016 By Joshua M. Miller

Unknown Mortal Orchestra covered Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street” on the recent Day of the Dead compilation, the new Grateful Dead covers box set that features 59 tracks and six hours of music (it’s out now on 4AD). More

May 25, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have shared a brand new song, “First World Problem,” the New Zealand band’s first new song since their excellent 2015 album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). The funky cut was recorded in March. “I think ‘First World Problem’ is about modern love in a crumbling empire,” said frontman Ruban Nielson in a press release. More

Feb 11, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

Bon Iver‘s main creative force Justin Vernon said last year that there were no upcoming plans for a new Bon Iver album (the last one was released in 2011), but in a new interview with Billboard he has said that he’s “no longer winding down” and promises that he’s “definitely been working on music.” More

Jan 25, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra has shared a remix of “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” by SILICON, which is the project of Kody Nielson, the brother of Unknown Mortal Orchestra frontman Ruban Nielson. The original version of the song can be found on the New Zealand band’s excellent 2015 album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). More

Jan 12, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

The Sasquatch! Music Festival has revealed the lineup for their 2016 festival, their 15th year. Once again it will be going down Memorial Day Weekend (May 27 - 30) at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Washington. It’s a stacked lineup, including The Cure, M83, Sufjan Stevens, Grimes, Florence and the Machine, Wolf Alice, Julia Holter, Jamie xx, Caribou, Yeasayer, Savages, Kurt Vile, Mac DeMarco, and others.

Jan 04, 2016 By Christopher Roberts

Coachella has announced the line-up for their 2016 festival, which goes down in Indio, California over two weekends in April (with the same bill each weekend). Friday and Saturday are headlined by two newly reformed bands, LCD Soundsystem and Guns N’ Roses (featuring the reunion of Axl Rose and Slash). Calvin Harris headlines Sunday night. More

Nov 12, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra has shared a video for “Necessary Evil,” a song that can be found on the New Zealand band’s excellent recent album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). Sean Solomon illustrated and directed colorful animated video, which features two lovers coming together and breaking apart. More

Sep 03, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra has shared a video for “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone,” a song that can be found on the New Zealand band’s excellent recent album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). Dimitri Basil directed the video, which gives examples of “strange modern sicknesses and phenomena,” as the band explained on Twitter. More

Aug 28, 2015 By Laura Studarus

Last weekend Los Angeles hosted FYF Festival. Check out Robert Redfield’s gallery of images from day two featuring Belle and Sebastian, D’Angelo, FKA twigs, Laura Marling,Lower Dens, Mac DeMarco, Morrissey, Solange, Toro Y Moi, Unknown Mortal Orchestra. More

Aug 26, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra performed on Conan last night, doing “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” from the New Zealand band’s excellent recent album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). More

Aug 13, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra performed on Late Night With Seth Meyers last night, doing the title track from the New Zealand band’s excellent recent album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). More

Jul 29, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have shared a video for “Ur Life One Night,” a song found on the New Zealand band’s excellent recent album Multi-Love (out now via Jagjaguwar). More

Jul 15, 2015 By Laura Studarus

Last night Unknown Mortal Orchestra performed at Landmark in Bergen, Norway. More

May 18, 2015 By Mike Hilleary

Next week on May 26, Unknown Mortal Orchestra will release their third studio album, Multi-Love. More

Apr 21, 2015 By Mike Hilleary

Next month Unknown Mortal Orchestra will follow their 2013 LP II with their third studio album Multi-Love. More

Apr 10, 2015 By Christopher Roberts

Under the Radar is excited to announce the full details of the April/May 2015 issue, which is about to hit newsstands. It features Tame Impala on the cover. Actor Charlie Cox talks about his starring role in the new Netflix series, Marvel’s Daredevil. We interview The Jesus and Mary Chain‘s Jim Reid and Creation Records’ founder Alan McGee about the 30th anniversary of the Scottish band’s iconic debut album, 1985’s Psychocandy. The issue also includes interviews with Death Cab For Cutie, Mew, My Morning Jacket, Father John Misty, Domhnall Gleeson of Ex Machina, Courtney Barnett, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Laura Marling, Django Django, Will Butler, Purity Ring, San Fermin, TORRES, Twin Shadow, Matthew E. White, Amason, Jacco Gardner, Tobias Jesso Jr., Petite Noir, Natalie Prass, SOAK, and more. More

Mar 25, 2015 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have premiered a brand new music video featuring “Multi-Love,” the latest single and title track to the band’s third studio album. More

Feb 05, 2015 By Laura Studarus

On May 26 Unknown Mortal Orchestral will release their new album Multi-Love. More

Dec 26, 2013 By Laura Studarus

Because Christmas is for slackers (we’re just bitter because we’re still digesting dinner), Unknown Mortal Orchestra refused to take a holiday break. More

Sep 10, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

On Oct. 29 Unknown Mortal Orchestra will follow their latest album II with a new EP titled Blue Record. More

Jul 16, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

In advance of embarking on another long tour featuring stops across New Zealand, Australia, and a stop at Lollapalooza before hitting the European festival circuit, Unknown Mortal Orchestra have premiered a new remix of their II single “So Good At Being In Trouble.” More

Jun 13, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Releasing their latest LP II earlier this year, Unknown Mortal Orchestra have shared a rendition of Otis Redding’s classic single “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” More

Apr 03, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

In the wake of releasing their latest album II, Unknown Mortal Orchestra has shared a remix of their lead single “Swim & Sleep (Like A Shark)” by Norwegian producer Lindstrom. More

Mar 04, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra‘s music video for “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)” probably wouldn’t be as funny or heartfelt if it was filmed with actual actors. More

Feb 26, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Last night Unknown Mortal Orchestra made their American television debut performing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. More

Feb 05, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Today Unknown Mortal Orchestra released their latest album II. Coinciding with the new record the band has unveiled a music video for their lead single “Good At Being In Trouble.” More

Jan 21, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra are poised to release their latest album // on Feb. 5. More

Jan 15, 2013 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have premiered the second single from their forthcoming sophomore effort, II. More

Dec 13, 2012 By Laura Studarus

Unknown Mortal Orchestra recently rerubbed Sky Ferreira single “Everything is Embarrassing,” taking down the bubble gum grooves to a late night swagger. More

Nov 28, 2012 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have announced an extensive tour across the globe in the days leading to and following the release of their newest album II. More

Oct 11, 2012 By Mike Hilleary

Recently signing to Jagjaguwar, Unknown Mortal Orchestra have announced the follow-up to their 2011 self-titled debut. More

Sep 18, 2012 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra has announced that they have inked a contract joining the Jagjaguwar label. More

Apr 04, 2012 By Mike Hilleary

The music video for Unknown Mortal Orchestra‘s “Nerve Damage” plays out like a really convincing PSA against the use the drugs. More

Feb 20, 2012 By Mike Hilleary

Unknown Mortal Orchestra have debuted a vintagey music video for their self-titled effort’s “Strangers Are Strange.” More

Aug 19, 2011 By Laura Studarus

Unknown Mortal Orchestra—who recently dropped this NSFW vid—is hitting the road. We have the dates. More

Aug 04, 2011 By Laura Studarus

Unknown Mortal Orchestra unleashed a mildly NSFW video for “Little Blu House” today. We have the clip. More

Jul 27, 2011 By Margot Cooper Gruen

London rockers Yuck have announced a fall tour, still touring in support of February self-titled release via Fat Possum/Mercury. Check out the dates. More

Jun 05, 2015 By John Everhart

New Zealand bands, in indie circles, will forever be synonymous with Flying Nun Records. For Jagjaguwar’s Unknown Mortal Orchestra, the brainchild of singer/guitarist Ruban Nielson (whose members also include bassist Jake Portrait and drummer Riley Geare), there are undeniable ties to the label, as Nielson’s first band, More

May 01, 2018 By Max Freedman

The phrase “bisexual lighting” has been floating around a lot lately. A page devoted to it on Know Your Meme—because apparently, even lighting can be a meme now—describes it as “neon lighting with high emphasis on pinks, purples, and blues.” More

Apr 04, 2018 By Stephen Mayne

Attempting to work out which direction an Unknown Mortal Orchestra track is about to head off in is as easy as trying to catch the wind in your hand. It’s not even possible to pin down the broader style Ruban Nielson and the rest of this New Zealand-born/Portland-based band are going to employ at any given moment. More

May 22, 2015 By J. Pace

Ruban Nielson returns with another anachronistic beauty, this one hitting the eardrums like a dusty Numero Group find from a home studio in the ‘70s U.S. Rust Belt, fashioned meticulously, mad-scientist style, with an army of synthesizers patched together and deployed deep in the off-hours. More

Nov 13, 2013 By Dan Lucas

The appeal of Unknown Mortal Orchestra—essentially the project of singer/songwriter Ruban Nielson—is largely his expertise as a chemist; on the LP II earlier this year he showed off his ability to use a range of sounds, styles, and influences as elements to cook up a very decent album. More

Feb 04, 2013 By J. Pace

Portland-via-New Zealand psychedelic soul auteur Ruban Nielson returns here with another batch of cozy nuggets. That word-nuggets-is not used lightly here, as Nielson’s unabashed throwback vibe quickly invites comparisons to all the also-ran ‘60s artists on Nuggets compilations, or at times even venturing into Eccentric Soul territory. More