Velvet Grooves

In early December 2006, Memphis Industries released the debut from new signings the 'Ruby Suns'. Fronted by the talented Ryan McPhun. He used to live in Souther California - where his experience wasn't what his soul was hinting at. His friends were all into popular stuff - which he wasn't. So instead he relocated to New Zealand, met the right people and fitting in with the scene there perfectly. Then the Ruby Suns were born. Initially he was drumming with The Brunettes and supporting The Shins in gigs, but still found time to sort the Ruby Suns. Busy guy!

They're like a modern Beach Boys - also similar to label mates Field Music and Blue States. Their hippy lyrics and psychedelic, dreamy atmospherics created from the vocals suggest something 60's esque. In essence - they've created their updated version of Pet Sounds (try 'Maasari Mara' and you'll hear some familar riffage!) with electronics here and there. It's like Ryan is the new Bryan Wilson - which ain't a bad thing because many bands are trying to repeat the Pet Sounds experience, and have failed. But the Ruby Suns are the closest yet. The album is flooded with ideas bringing 60's pop psychedelia into the modern shite that we're flooded with now - so hopefully many will listen to the Ruby Suns and get a closer idea to how it's done.