Sea Lion - The Ruby Suns
Sea Lion Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

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  • Summary: This is the sophomore album for the New Zealand band led by ex-Californian Ryan McPhun.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. All Music Guide
    90
    Culture clashes never sounded so good.
  2. Uncut
    80
    The sumptuous Sea Lion sees him exploring similar territory to the Elephant 6 collective, adding notes of African highlife, Polynesian folk, Disney soundtracks and (briefly) '80s synth pop, to joyous and naively charming effect. [Apr 2008, p.99]
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  3. Mojo
    80
    Ryan's predilection for Wilsonesque harmonies, glokenspiel, etc, erupts into twinkly fairytale pop that's bold and forward-looking in equal measure. [Mar 2008, p.113]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    Move over, Devendra Banhart: there's a new bunch of bohemian music kooks in town. [Apr 2008, p.115]
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See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. MattB
    10
    I'm surprised it didn't get a higher rating. This is a contender for album of the year ...definitely rivals destroyer and cloud cult releases. Its a mysterious, gorgeous psychedelic journey. Double extra bonus points for the 80's influence on a couple tracks. This is something you really have to let grow on ya (not that there aren't immediatley grabbing tracks -Tane Mahuta) the way they segue in and out of different parts is quite brilliant. I find myself appreciating something new each time I listen to it.… Expand
  2. LawrenceCharles
    10
    This is kaleidoscopic pop music at its best. There are so many ideas and sounds buzzing around on this record you'd think it'd be a complete mess and yet ... somehow it works brilliantly. Definitely contender for the best pop album of 2008.… Expand
  3. OliverC.
    9
    I love this album. It loses a point because it does get a little boring at times, but otherwise it is beautiful and fun.
  4. MortenF.
    5
    I find it a bit "messy" with many different sounds and stiles. And somehow its not working together. It lack of the good melody and a of an album as a hole.… Expand

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