Download: The Ruby Suns, ‘Closet Astrologer’
Keith Shackleton on
1
A subtle shift of emphasis from California-born, New Zealand-based Ryan McPhun is revealed on the new Ruby Suns album “Fight Softly,” which came out this month on Sub Pop.” Predecessor “Sea Lion'”was a breezy collage of world music whimsy that was one of the highlights of 2008, a really easy listen. This time around, the beats are processed and the themes are darker. McPhun has moved on, for sure, with his use of electronics (by his own admission, wanting to use organic samples but not have them sound organic). He generally pulls it off, with some surprising shifts in tempo and color, but may be lacking a little of the carefree lightness of touch that made “Sea Lion” so special.
||| Download: “Closet Astrologer” and “Cranberry”.
||| Live: The Ruby Suns perform April 14 at the Echo.
– By Keith Shackleton
[…] Bands HQ, two shows with amazingly deep lineups vie for our attention. At the Echo, the Ruby Suns [download] visit from New Zealand, supported by Toro y Moi and Pepper Rabbit. Toro Y Moi’s Chaz Bundick […]