The 91自拍论坛 Concert Series will feature Unknown Mortal Orchestra on Wednesday, March 6, at 8 p.m. at the Park Theatre.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra was formed when singer/guitarist Ruban Neilson moved from New Zealand to Portland, Ore., where he met bassist Jake Portrait and drummer Riley Geare. Neilson released a track by the trio on the Internet, and after the song received extensive praise, Unknown Mortal Orchestra was announced. A year later, in the summer of 2011, they released their first full-length album, receiving rave reviews. The self-titled debut pulled from a variety of influences yet also managed to maintain a unified and inventive sound.
鈥淧itchfork鈥� has said of their first album, 鈥淐ombined with an expert use of space rare for such a lo-fi record, Unknown Mortal Orchestra manages a unique immersive and psychedelic quality.鈥�
The band鈥檚 second album, 鈥淚I,鈥� was released just weeks ago, and excitement and respect for the band has grown even further. 鈥淩olling Stone Magazine鈥� has described the album as 鈥渓ike heaven with psychedelic guitar-pop that's alluringly out of focus.鈥�
The band鈥檚 live show has also been noted for its entertaining and energetic presence. 鈥淯nknown Mortal Orchestra鈥檚 upbeat, psychedelic yet unequivocally rock 鈥榥 roll sound translates perfectly to a live setting鈥� The three-piece band is tight and sounds fantastic,鈥� said 鈥淭he Owl Mag.鈥�
In addition to the concert, the 91自拍论坛 Concert Series will sponsor an open conversation with the band on the evening of the show.
The bands Foxygen and Wampire, currently touring with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, will be opening the evening. Both bands have recently received critical acclaim, with Foxygen releasing a new album in January. 鈥淧retty Much Amazing鈥� has said, 鈥淔oxygen is a breath of fresh air, reviving a vintage style of songwriting in a new and creative fashion.鈥�
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for Hope students, and are available online at tickets.hope.edu/ticketing and at the ticket office in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be called at (616) 395-7890.
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and Wampire will begin at 8 p.m.
The DeVos Fieldhouse is located at 222 Fairbanks Ave., between Ninth and 11th streets. The Park Theatre is located at 248 South River Ave., near the intersection of River Avenue and 10th Street.