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The Ruby Suns: Sea Lion

Crafted in Ryan McPhun's basement, The Ruby Suns’ second album is a melting pot of organic sounds boasting African rhythms along with strong Maori and Pacific influences. Shattering the NZ cultural cringe factor, McPhun (Californian) and band celebrate the local soundscape. Mojave sets the tone, with familiar waiata-style guitar that transports you to days of primary school Maori Culture, while Tane Mahuta honours the majestic kauri of the far north and is sung in te reo. Somewhat ethnographically, The Ruby Suns present their take on tribal/traditional beats (from NZ travels and abroad) and embellish them with smooth, pop vocals. Most notable is the impressive layering of sound on Sea Lion; trombone, clarinet, flute, vibraphone, violin (among others) as well as clapping, water and a myriad of odd noises are peppered throughout, lending real texture and depth. Among all this wonderment The Ruby Suns haven’t abandoned their trademark ‘60s pop vibe. Kenya Dig It brings back Beach Boys’ harmonies and Remember is a ‘60s pavlova pop sensation, with traces of Simon & Garfunkel. Final track Morning Sun brings the indie back with McPhun’s fragile vocal melody subtly invoking New Order. The song then shifts to Give Advice (from their Lichen Ears EP),an all out ‘80s backlash - as though Molly Ringwald has been a stowaway in the camper van the whole time. Genius.

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