II - Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
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  1. The Fly (UK)
    Feb 5, 2013
    100
    Far-out, fascinating, fantastic--just plain F-ing good.
  2. Uncut
    Feb 4, 2013
    90
    The scratchy lo-fi production doubles its mystery, resulting in an album of sensual pleasures and magical power. [Mar 2013, p.77]
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  3. Clash Music
    Feb 4, 2013
    90
    The Portland-based psych-rock outfit’s second album is an absolute triumph.
  4. Beats Per Minute (formerly One Thirty BPM)
    Feb 4, 2013
    85
    The trance-like pace of II serves to reinforce the album rather than weaken it.
  5. Pretty Much Amazing
    Feb 11, 2013
    83
    With II, UMO remains humble in composition and production, creating an honest album that comforts in the strangest ways.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Feb 5, 2013
    83
    There’s more consistent musical plasma coursing through the veins of II.
  7. Filter
    Feb 28, 2013
    82
    The production is minimal, leaving II feeling pure and honest.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. 2hip2beahipster
    8
    This is a good album. A big improvement from their debut for sure. The ideas on this album are more developed and better executed than they were on their first release. The album starts off with three gems; "From the Sun" "Swim and Sleep" and "So Good at Being in Trouble" are all great examples of the growth and maturity this band's songwriting has gone through all three songs being examples of great ideas that are executed superbly. The middle of this album, however, does drag. "The Opposite of Afternoon" is a definitely a song that grows on you after a few listen, as is "Monki". The album also ends off strongly with "Faded in the Morning" and "Secret Xtians". Overall I'd say this is a great album, and a step in the right direction for Ruban and the gang. Ruban's songwriting definitely matures here, and boy, let me say, he absolutely shreds on guitar. The production is also perfected as the lo-fi/psych. rock feel is still there but it's a lot smoother and easier to take in right away. This album has just gotten me even more excited about this bands potential and future releases. Overall a pretty good album with a few gems.… Full Review »
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