Cats Are Grey

New Zealand’s The Ruby Suns are the brain child of ex-Californian Ryan McPhun. They opened for Foals at Maxwell’s with McPhun on vocals, guitar and drums, Amee Robinson on keyboards and bass, and Imogen Taylor on keyboards and flute. I was surprised and delighted by their sound—-dream pop with a heavy mix of traditional African and Polynesian sounds and strong hints of ’80s synth pop. It’s refreshing to hear a band take advantage of a multitude of different sounds and musical ideas and exciting to hear a band that does it well.

I picked up The Ruby Suns CD Sea Lion which was recorded in McPhun’s New Zealand basement. Sea Lion weighs heavier towards world music than their live show does but it’s still a beautiful, incredibly original record. Here’s the song Kenya Dig It? for your listening pleasure.

They will be back in NY July 29th at Music Hall Of Williamsburg and July 30th at The Bowery Ballroom with tap dance inclusive Tilly and The Wall and Henry Darger influenced The Vivian Girls. Good times!