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Sea Lion
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Sea Lion Image
Metascore
75

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

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • 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. AllMusic
    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]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Almost Cool
    80
    Layered, and a bit rough-around-the-edges, Sean Lion is also a heck of a lot of fun, and marks The Ruby Suns as a young group to keep an eye on.
  4. Prefix Magazine
    75
    The Ruby Suns’ greatest strength is how easily they’re able to pull off this mix on Sea Lion without seeming over-bearing or preening. It makes the whole album seem effortless.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    A strange, lovely trip.
  6. Spin
    60
    For all its iconoclastic ambition, Sea Lion is a low-key charmer. [Apr 2008, p.102]
  7. Under The Radar
    50
    Sea Lion is all over the map. [Spring 2008, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews

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. LawrenceCharles
    Apr 21, 2008
    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 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
  2. MattB
    Apr 21, 2008
    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 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
  4. OliverC.
    Apr 22, 2008
    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.
  5. MortenF.
    Apr 24, 2008
    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 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