As you may have heard, the 2012 Phono del Sol Music and Food Festival is quickly approaching (this Saturday!). We hope you are as excited as we are. One of the bands we are most excited to see perform live at the festival is the Portland-via-New Zealand indie rock trio Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

Founding member Ruban Nielsen conceived the project after moving from New Zealand to Portland, Oregon with his former band Mint Chicks. Seeking a stranger, fresher pop rock sound, Nielsen was joined by bassist/producer Jake Portrait (also of Blouse) and drummer Julien Ehrlich to form Unknown Mortal Orchestra.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra first caught our attention when they released their debut self-titled 7″ EP on The Sounds of Sweet Nothing in late 2010. The catchy, distorted pop singles “How Can U Luv Me” and “Ffunny Ffrends” established the band’s signature nostalgic-meets-current weirdo pop sound. In June 2011, UMO released their eponymous debut full-length on Fat Possum Records to critical acclaim. The band has been touring extensively since the release.

UMO recently released a brand new track called “I’ll Come Back 4 U” for the Adult Swim Singles Program, as well as a cover of “Endless Shore” by Melody’s Echo Chamber. Be sure to catch Unknown Mortal Orchestra at Phono del Sol this Saturday, July 21st (get your tickets now!).