Unknown Mortal Orchestra Announce Two NZ Shows

Ruban Nielson's Portland project Unknown Mortal Orchestra will play two New Zealand shows in January 2013, ahead of their support slot for Weezer on January 11th. These shows are announced on the back of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards nominations for 2012, in which Unknown Mortal Orchestra are nominated for two awards: best male solo artist and best alternative album (going up against brother Kody Nielson of Opossom in the latter category).

The Wellington show is at Bodega on Friday 4th January. Tickets are $25 + BF and you can get them over here.

The Auckland show is part of 'Wrangler presents: Summer of MUM', a series of shows at Cassette sponsored by Wrangler over summer (more details on the other shows to follow). Unknown Mortal Orchestra will play Thursday 10th January at Cassette, and tickets are $10.00 on the door only.

Check out the video clip for one of our favourite Unknown Mortal Orchestra tracks, 'Nerve Damage', below, as well as the press release for these shows and more information on each.

Press release:

As Unknown Mortal Orchestra, New Zealand by-way-of Portland songwriter and guitarist Ruban Nielson marries psychedelia with sharp Soul touchstones. Timeless pop hooks are produced with a soft buzzsaw edge so that the effect is akin to Stevie Wonder producing Plastic Ono Band into Nuggets-like gems. It's a one-two punch that has caught the ear of hip-hop community heavyweights (?uestlove, El-P, Big Boi) and indie-world heroes (Liars, Toro Y Moi).

Now working with bassist Jacob Portrait and drummer Greg Rogrove as a live band, Ruban and Unknown Mortal Orchestra are riding high off recent tours with Grizzly Bear and Weezer, as well as finalist positions the categories of Best Male Solo Artist and Best Alternative Album at the 2012 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards.

Having recently signed to Jagjaguwar for the 2013 release of their second album, on the 5th of January at Bodega and the 10th January at Cassette in Auckland, New Zealanders will have the opportunity to witness Unknown Mortal Orchestra live in concert. Performing songs from their debut album and new as of yet unreleased material, this evening promises to be an essential start to the 2013 live music schedule. Come build some islands in the sky and meet the smiling alligator with Unknown Mortal Orchestra.