Megan James’ haunting voice softly sings “Get a little closer let it fold / Cut open my sternum and pull” while a melodious sinister electronic beat throbs against her vocals. Just as stunning as it is grotesque, Purity Ring’s “Fineshrine” is in a realm of its own. The disturbingly gorgeous imagery that the song creates is a common theme in Purity Ring’s songs. In their upcoming debut album’s first single, “Odebear,” Megan croons “Tear our skin up out from the bottom / Leave our ankles bare.”
Along with Megan James, the other member of Purity Ring is Corin Roddick who is responsible for the rhythmic electronic beats that mesh so well with James’ soothing voice. Formed in Canada in 2010, when Roddick began to dabble in hip-hop and R&B beats, he ultimately asked James to lend her beautiful vocals to the track “Ungirthed.” The band ended up signing to labels 4AD and Last Gang where they will release their debut album, Shrines.
As a fan of things that are creepy, I immediately fell in love with the sinister lullabies that the band so innovatively creates. Lately electronic music has been lacking the macabre eeriness that was present in acts like The Knife and Aphex Twin. It looks like Purity Ring will fill that void, as each track that they put out from Shrines continues to have a nightmarish feel while still maintaining a tranquilizing vibe that relaxes you in a way.
Ever since discovering the band I have been replaying the singles that they have out over and over again, cherishing every subdued and gothic tune that they have released. Shrines is due out on July 24, and I must admit that I will be one of the first ones to get the album, as I am excited to see what other dark lullabies Purity Ring has to offer.