Unknown Mortal Orchestra: "Ffunny Ffriends"

Unknown Mortal Orchestra comes from the psych rock genre of wandering guitar, simple structures, and groovy drum beats. They released a self-titled debut in June 2011 and a sophomore album, fittingly titled II, this past February. They created some buzz at this year's SXSW, and they're
currently on a worldwide tour that will take them through Chicago as well as Paris, Liverpool, New York, Akron, and Des Moines. (Party in Des Moines!)

But as with Bob Dylan, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, and a number of other artists, you probably either love or hate the voice of lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Ruban Nielson. Live, he sounds like this:

And with effects, he sounds like this:

I'll be honest: I like Unknown Mortal Orchestra better with the effects than without, but maybe that's okay -- they are a psych rock band, after all, so that's half the point. Nielson's high-pitched, raspy voice has an odd timbre that sounds strained without the echo-y, lo-fi sound effects. Bassist Jake Portrait and drummer Riley Geare round out the trio and provide a solid rhythm section to cradle Nielson's distinct, guitar-led melodies and frazzled, just-trying-to-cope-with-life lyrics, which are both endearing and impactful. And I'm always a sucker for a Kiwi accent. Check them out on Saturday of Lolla.