Sea Lion

The New Album From The Ruby Suns

"my own tip to make strange new waves in 2008 is New Zealand trio The Ruby Suns, who in March follow up the ambitious Brian Wilson-esque pop of their 2006 debut album with Sea Lion, an even more ear-boggling collection of blissful pop heavily influenced by African and Polynesian music" Andy Gill, The Independent

Strange things are happening in New Zealand and beyond...Brainchild of Ryan McPhun, a 24 year old Californian
ex-pat in Auckland, The Ruby Suns key into their (adopted) homeland's indie psychedelic pop tradition, which seemed to peter out after Flying Nun heroes such as The Chills and 3D bit the dust. If the trio's 2005 debut was little overly Beach Boys-focused Sea Lion is its own beast. Here, McPhun introduces World styling's apparently absorbed
whilst globetrotting: Oh, Mojave revamps the acoustic-rattling Tropicalia of Os Mutantes's A Minha Menina, while Tane Mahuta Afro-clashes Ladysmith Black Mambazo's soul elevating
choral splendour with the Bhundu Boys' ring-a-tingling guitars. Elsewhere, Ryan's predilection for Wilsonesque harmonies, glockenspiel, etc erupts into twinkly-fairytale pop that's bold and forward-looking in equal measure. This ones a real brain-buster.

Andrew Perry **** Mojo Feb '08

From Auckland via the Masai Mara, the Suns continue their infatuation with Brian Wilson and world music. The plan was to make an LP devoted to sounds from Africa and Polynesia (the most immediately arresting tracks, Oh Mojave and Tane Mahuta, the latter sung in Maori), but as the band's Ryan McPhun was steeped in West Coast lore while growing up in California he can hardly be blamed for trying to turn it into the Beach Boys' Smile. And when he mixes up Bowie's Heroes, Phil Spector, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Pale Saints, as on Adventure Tour and Kenya Dig It?, the results verge on the spiritual. Buy now, soak in the vibrations at sunrise every morning from June to August.

David Hutcheon **** The Times

Time Out **** “there’s method in this glorious madness”

NME 7/10 “A strange, lovely trip”

Boys Toys **** “An enjoyable, inventive record”

The Independent **** “swooning, varied and fascinating”

Word "The Flaming Lips reborn as benevolent game wardens... could be a surprise hit."

Daily Mirror **** “The gentle whisper of sea on shore. Nice”

Bearded “A band coming to terms with it’s identity in the most glorious way imaginable”