The Ruby Suns - Cranberry 7.9/10

The Ruby Suns are an experimental indie pop group from Auckland, New Zealand. This track is taken from their album Fight Softly which was released by Sub Pop Records in 2010. Lead singer Ryan McPhun may originally be from California, but this band's Kiwi credentials show in the playful touches and rhythms that suggest a summer beach party in the Bay of Islands isn't far away. The track begins with a tromping marching beat which abruptly fades out to be replaced by electro keyboard hits, then gradually builds into an all-out rumba party with wavy marine flourishes. McPhun's lyrics describe childhood fears of swimming in deep water and anxieties about the future, though the exuberant atmosphere of the track never gets weighted down by such concerns. This is a song to put on by the pool on a hot day with a chilled lemonade in hand.