The Ruby Suns and the New Pop Horizon

words by Elliot Cole
photos by Randy Cremean

Ryan McPhun, songwriter and percussionist behind New Zealand’s The Ruby Suns, doesn’t really seem to have much of an affinity for mainstream fashion. His shorts are ungodly loud: a swimsuit with some type of floral design meant more for a 1980s movie than indie rock. His cap's visor points upwards, while his sky blue shirt seems to portray some sort of wildlife. It’s a far cry from tight-fitting jeans, V-neck shirts, or ironic scenester mullets. But, somehow, that absence works for The Ruby Suns. The Auckland trio is, after all, a far cry from the general hipster comfort zone. But, as is made apparent by both their hodgepodge attire and their expansive sound, The Ruby Suns are just fine with not fitting in.