The Hope College 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.
“Pitchfork” has said of their first album, “Combined with an expert use of space rare for such a lo-fi record, Unknown Mortal Orchestra manages a unique immersive and psychedelic quality.”
The band’s second album, “II,” was released just weeks ago, and excitement and respect for the band has grown even further. “Rolling Stone Magazine” has described the album as “like heaven with psychedelic guitar-pop that's alluringly out of focus.”
The band’s live show has also been noted for its entertaining and energetic presence. “Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s upbeat, psychedelic yet unequivocally rock ‘n roll sound translates perfectly to a live setting… The three-piece band is tight and sounds fantastic,” said “The Owl Mag.”
In addition to the concert, the Hope College 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. “Pretty Much Amazing” has said, “Foxygen is a breath of fresh air, reviving a vintage style of songwriting in a new and creative fashion.”
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.