Kiwi/Portlandish psych-rockers Unknown Mortal Orchestra attract one of the largest crowds of the weekend to Sound City’s Baltic Stage. Opening with their 2013 hit ‘Swim & Sleep (Like A Shark)’ the atmosphere is a little subdued. ‘How Can u Luv Me’ breaks through the initial drowsiness, ending on a thunderous and flashy drum solo from Riley Geare as whoever is operating the smoke machine and stage lights try to induce epilepsy. This crescendo feels like it should be the closing note, but instead acts more like a shot of adrenaline to stir a crowd that has been drinking steadily for the best part of 9 hours.

Singalongs begin to ‘So Good at Being in Trouble’, each word echoed back as UMO keep incredibly tight. They are demonstrating here an impressive degree of control and stage presence, even when playing a more relaxed and melancholic track.

Songs from their new (and possibly last) album ‘Multi-Love’ offer some more layered synth melody and keyboard breakdowns. Quincy McCrary’s fluidity on the keys is instrumental (buddum- tsshhh) to this new electronic sound, the effortlessness of his contributions are something to behold, providing both a bed of harmony or a bouncy punch when required.

Towards the back of the irritatingly short 30 minute set, a procession of psychedelic inflatables all lit up from the inside are carried past the right of the marquee, the weird shapes are an excellent compliment to the festival atmosphere. Closing on the punchy, anthem ‘Can’t keep Checking my Phone’, the crowd was long ago shaken awake and movement spreads. The four-piece march off stage with a hurried goodbye, disappointing as it lacked any notable climax, but this is more likely due to the pressures of festival scheduling than any lack of showmanship on the band’s part.

UMO are consistently fun and provided an injection of life into a somewhat bleary audience, their tight live show was better than most, but could be better if they were headlining their own show in a more intimate setting. Luckily, they are touring the UK later this year, you’d be a fool to miss it.

Luke Savage