You’ve just stumbled through the door and into the hippest funk club on Saturn’s most happening moon, Hyperion. Species of all sorts fill the smoky room, enjoying drinks and substances of all sizes and shapes. The lights dim down, the house musicians takes the stage, an applause thunders and dies, and the band begins their set . . .

I truly, madly, and deeply love (multi-love?) this album. Multi-Love is Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s third studio album, and it’s astoundingly pleasing how much they’ve sonically progressed since their previous two records (which are also quite great, might I add). I struggle to find the right words that effectively encompass this melodically-expansive album, but I can tell you that this talented group has brought the funk, and they’ve brought it hard.

I sincerely hope Prince and Stevie are bobbing their heads to this somewhere in the world, because I know they would surely adore this record. Sound design and savvy studio skills play a hefty role, but they certainly don’t detract from the stellar songwriting found here. If you know of sweeter progressions than the ones found on standouts “The World Is Crowded” and “Necessary Evil,” please, I’m all ears.

And the melodies. Oh, the melodies. I am hard pressed to call this the catchiest album of the year, so far. Every song sounds like a song that’s existed for decades. There is something for everyone on this record, and you’ll discover new things that you love about it with each subsequent listen. If you’re seeking the funkiest tones this side of the galaxy, this album is for you.

– stasi (@stasisphere)