Review
'Shrines' by Purity Ring is a sonic voyage through uncharted territories of electronic music. Released in 2012, this debut album from the Canadian duo Megan James and Corin Roddick weaves a tapestry of indie pop, chillwave, and synth-pop into a captivating sonic landscape. The album's title, plucked from the lyrics of 'Obedear', sets the stage for themes of self-empowerment and love, often expressed through vivid, visceral imagery.
The album's production is a testament to the duo's innovative spirit, with James and Roddick crafting their sound largely in isolation. This remote collaboration infuses 'Shrines' with an air of introspection and otherworldliness. Standout tracks like 'Belispeak' and 'Fineshrine' showcase their knack for crafting infectious melodies that linger in the mind long after the last note fades.
'Shrines' made waves upon its release, debuting at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and earning a Polaris Music Prize nomination. Its influence reverberates through the work of artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish, cementing its status as a pivotal moment in electronic music. With over 90,000 copies sold in the US by 2015, 'Shrines' stands as a time capsule of early 2010s sound, its haunting melodies and polished beats continuing to captivate listeners to this day. - Odessa
