Unknown Mortal Orchestra Tackle ‘First World Problem’ on Dancefloor

Unknown Mortal Orchestra take a funky turn on “First World Problem,” a horn-laden, dark disco cut that marks the group’s first original song since 2015’s Multi-Love. The track premiered on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 program. 

“First World Problem” opens with a guitar vamping and ominous synth stabs. Singer Ruban Nielson showcases the flexibility of his voice from a lovelorn strain to a Barry Gibb-esque falsetto. 

Unknown Mortal Orchestra recorded “First World Problem” during a break from their extensive touring in support of Multi-Love. The group has festival dates at Sasquatch and Boston Calling scheduled for this weekend, followed by a European trek in June, a North American leg in July and scattered international dates throughout the rest of the summer. A complete list of dates is available on UMO’s website.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra will also appear on Conan June 7th to perform their cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Shakedown Street,” which appears on the new tribute album, Day of the Dead.