The Ruby Suns – REC (January 21, 2017)

Whoever is organising the gigs at REC is doing a top-notch job.  After three sold out shows of Conan Moccasin, New Zealand’s own sleaze-funk prince, this Saturday they hosted indie-pop stalwarts The Ruby Suns.
Their arrival in Auckland was their first since 2014, and what a welcome return it was. During the band’s lifetime they have garnered considerable critical success and toured with the likes of Toro y Moi. The Ruby Suns sunny, breezy indie pop undershot with post chillwave synth murk and a swirl of psychedelia is summery without being sugary.

Crowd favourites Cranberry, Kenya Dig it and Kingfisher Calling all got an airing and the band was tight, well-rehearsed and kept the crowd’s mood buoyant  throughout. Their newer music was met with appreciation from the crowd, and on first listen seems a curious amalgamation of their previous three records. While on paper it has the potential to be messy, the result is mature, balanced, and their best work since Sealion.

One of the best things about The Ruby Suns is that their albums oscillate wildly in terms of their sound, but they have always maintained a sense of whimsical, intoxicating escapism which makes for an excellent live show- something that we need now more than ever. It is almost criminal that such a cracking night was had by all for $15 a ticket.

Kate Powell

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Veronica McLaughlin:

The Ruby Suns set list:

1. Tilt
2. Cranberry
3. Kingfisher Call Me
4. Oh, Mojave
5. Tane Mahuta
6. Closet Astrologer
7. Waterslide
8. Cinco
9. Jukebox Run
10. Gutrapa
11. Kenya Dig It?
12. Pram Gang