Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s ‘Curse’ packs a punch in just six short tracks, offering a masterclass in moody psychedelia. Opening with the ominous “Aura,” the EP shifts gears on the Sabbath‑tinged “Boys with the Characteristics of Wolves,” where gritty riffs collide with tense rhythms. The highlight, “Death Comes from the Sky,” scales back into signature UMO territory—intricate guitar work that’s both hypnotic and haunting. Closer “Curse” wraps it all in a cryptic, cinematic fade-out.
It’s a knife‑edged mini‑journey—haunting, theatrical, and unapologetically eerie. The horror-inspired textures feel deliberate rather than gimmicky, making it one of UMO’s most cathartic and focused releases yet.
Release date: June 18, 2025 Tracks (all six): Aura Boys with the Characteristics of Wolves Death Comes from the Sky One Hundred Bats Sorcerers of Silence Curse Label: Released via Jagjaguwar Lead single/video: “Boys with the Characteristics of Wolves,” which dropped with a grainy, horror‑styled video Inspiration: Rooted in 1970s–80s Italian horror aesthetics and confronting existential “void” themes
🗣 What Listeners Are Saying
Reddit’s indieheads community praises the emotional impact and intensity:
“Love the last song (CURSE)…it needs to be longer!”
“Rad EP…spooky!”
🎯 Verdict
Curse delivers a concentrated, genre-bending experience—part doom-rock homage, part introspective psych trip. While fleeting at just ~12 minutes, its bold aesthetic coherently melds horror and rock, asserting Ruban Nielson’s prowess in crafting mood-driven narratives. If you’re drawn to shadowy soundscapes with emotional heft, this EP hits the mark—though you might wish it ran twice as long.
Final Grade: 9/10 — A haunting, immersive burst of atmospherics that leaves you craving more.