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Unknown Mortal Orchestra live review, Roundhouse: sound problems make for a difficult set

An excellent encore saves the day

Jack Shepherd
Friday 25 May 2018 15:58 BST
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For Unknown Mortal Orchestra to recreate their perfectly orchestrated psychedelic rock everything needs to be perfect, their songs intricate enough that a poor sound system can ruin a show. With that in mind, the Roundhouse – the circular venue based in the heart of Camden – was perhaps not the best place to stage their return to London.

Taking up their instruments to much fanfare, the New Zealanders launched into a trio of superb songs, beginning with their debut album’s opener “Ffunny Ffrends”. What should have been a rapturous start was ruined by messy sound, the guitars and vocals meshing into a muddy noise with only the drum’s high-hats penetrating through the sludge. Things failed to improve as they drove quickly into “Swim and Sleep (Like a Shark)”, the songs barely discernable from one another. Soon enough, the sold-out crowd began chanting “Turn it up”.

Following a rendition of “Necessary Evil”, a great track on record but underwhelming here, frontman Ruban Nielson finally addressed the crowd. Rather than introduce the band as you would expect, the Kiwi had to explain that the band themselves could not control the sound from the stage, directing their anger towards the sound-desk.

From there, things began to improve slowly, the person messing with the sliders obviously taking note of the angry mob. After walking around the entire venue – including the seated area – with guitar in hand, playing an impressive solo, Nielson returned to the stage for a now-audible version of “So Good at Being in Trouble”. With the crowd finally coming on-side, the group blasted through “Major League Chemicals,” and “American Guilt,” two of their messiest songs on record. While done justice here, the band perhaps should have played one of the heavier numbers towards the beginning of the set, just to inject some adrenaline into the static onlookers.

Leaving the stage after arguably their most popular song, “Multi-Love”, there was a sense of disappointment lingering in the crowd. Fortunately, the band had something special lined up for their encore, storming through the disco-tinged “Hunnybee,” ”Everyone Acts Crazy Now,” and “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone.” With the sound finally good, the band’s musicianship was fully on show. Best of all, the crowd finally came alive, those desperate to dance finally getting their chance.

The encore, which was excellent, showed just how great Unknown Mortal Orchestra can be when everything works. And although it took 12 songs to get there, the five songs made for a redemptive ending that saved the show.

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