 |
The latest record from The Ruby Suns comes complete with a heady mix of musical influences – from the white sandy beaches of California, to the beauty of Africa, to the rhythms of Polynesia – each of the 10 songs is a journey in its own right.
This worldly feel is a rare achievement for a New Zealand band – however it helps that the group is led by Californian, Ryan McPhun. McPhun is now a resident in New Zealand, but at times his music reflects his hometown and his travels, as well as the land of the long white cloud.
The highlights of Sea Lion typify its diverse nature...
‘Tane Mahuta’ is a unique indie pop song; with warm traditional sounds, and choir-like vocals – all amid a rarity in New Zealand music, a song sung entirely in Maori.
‘Kenya Dig It’ is a delight. It is the lead single for the album, with great vocals backed by catchy synths and percussion. Although I must admit at times I found myself more in the U.S. than Kenya with this one.
Sea Lion was actually intended to be a world music album, but reverb and psychedelic pop crept in to create a unique mixture of sounds... the result is a top record and if you can get your head around all the ideas here, you’ll love it.
Essential Tracks
Kenya Dig It
Tane Mahuta
Morning Sun
Full Track Listing
1. Blue Penguin (5:01)
2. Oh, Mojave (2:32)
3. Tane Mahuta (2:58)
4. There Are Birds (4:13)
5. It's Mwangi In Front Of Me (3:37)
6. Remember (4:32)
7. Ole Rinka (4:20)
8. This Adventure Tour (3:51)
9. Kenya Dig It? (4:17)
10. Morning Sun (6:26)
|
|
