Rating: NN
Ryan McPhun’s second album as the Ruby Suns after deciding the project was a solo venture and not a band effort is the newest step in his musical evolution. Any trace of the world music, psychedelic or folk elements that flavoured Ruby Suns’ early recordings has been erased and replaced with slick synth sounds and bubbly beats.
Perhaps influenced by McPhun’s recent move from New Zealand to Norway, the instrumentation is icy, the only warmth coming via his gentle, high-pitched vocals. Allegedly inspired by the pop made in his newly adopted home, the songs sound like the dancier ones played on 80s AM radio. At its best (album opener Desert Of Pop) there are Pet Shop Boys overtones. At its worst (Rush), there are hints of Christopher Cross.
Light, breezy and somewhat snoozy, Christopher has some pleasant moments, but it’s not the strongest work in McPhun’s discography.
Top track: Desert Of Pop