One of the most anticipated releases of the year so far, Purity Ring - the Montreal/Halifax based group of Corrin Roddick and Megan James - is set to release their debut album Shrines July 24, 2012. The lead-up to this release has been huge, with the band leaking a set of otherworldly singles over the past year to whip us music lovers into a frenzy. With songs like "Belispeak", "Lofticries", "Obedear" and "Fineshrine" leading the way up to the release, it would have been easy to think that the best of this album had already been heard, but each of the eleven tracks on this album is an absolute stunner. "Amenamy" might be my favourite track of the entire year - listen to that chorus! - while album opener "Crawlersout" sets the tone for the entire journey and has a top spot on my playlist. Purity ring's sound is unlike anything else you've ever heard, filled with Roddick's clattering, slowed-down beats that are twisted and chopped to within an inch of their life and then paired to James's absolutely gorgeous, dark and simultaneously innocent vocals. When more than half of the songs on an album give you chills, you know you have something special in your headphones. This is debut album that feels like anything but a first record. The production is lush and moving and deep, the vocals possessed and carrying something you just can't forget. This is hands down one of my favourite releases of the year, and is an album you should grab immediately. This is about as close to a masterpiece as it gets. Take a listen below and let us know what you think.
Purity Ring