Ryan McPhun of the Ruby Suns.

THIS Friday sees New Zealand indie pop stars The Ruby Suns taking the stage at Korjaamo Culture Factory in Helsinki. Playing in support of their recent release Fight Softly, the band arrives to Finland in the midst of a successful European tour.

Moving to Auckland after travelling extensively through Africa and Thailand, Californian Ryan McPhun played in a number of bands including The Brunettes, The Tokey Tones and the Reduction Agents, before eventually establishing The Ruby Suns in 2004.

After releasing their eponymous album in 2005, the band began to hit their stride undertaking a tour of America in 2006 for the first time.

Inspired by the indigenous music of Africa and Kenya, with Polynesian rhythms thrown in for good measure, the diverse Sea Lion was released in 2008 to critical acclaim; finding a similar middle ground between indie pop and world music that has brought comparisons with Yeasayer, Animal Collective and Vampire Weekend.

A European jaunt in 2009 saw the band spending time in Hungary where they began composing new material; much of which McPhun eventually recorded entirely on his own utilising synthesizers and digital production for the electro-pop Fight Slowly.

Making a name for themselves as a memorable live act, the band promises a night filled with gorgeous melodies, and maybe even a few choice cover songs for who make it down to Korjaamo on Friday.

Support comes from local outfit Delay Trees, playing in anticipation of their forthcoming debut album.

JAMES O’SULLIVAN - HT