Shrines

“Shrines,” the debut studio album by Canadian electronic music duo Purity Ring, stands as a testament to their unique blend of dreamy pop melodies, hip hop-inspired production, and strikingly graphic lyrics. Released on 20 July 2012, by 4AD, the album quickly garnered attention for its innovative sound and captivating themes.

Recorded separately by vocalist Megan James and producer Corin Roddick, who lived in Halifax and Montreal respectively, “Shrines” was a labor of love conducted via email exchanges over several months. Despite the physical distance, the duo managed to create a cohesive body of work that explored themes of self-empowerment and love through a lens of dark, gory imagery.

The album’s production, spearheaded by Roddick, incorporates down-pitched, distorted vocals, side-chained synths, and programmed beats, creating a sonic landscape that blends elements of electropop, synth-pop, dream pop, and indie pop. Influenced by hip hop artists and electronic musicians like Grimes, Purity Ring crafted a sound that was both ethereal and grounded, drawing listeners into their fantastical world.

James’ vocals, described as “childlike” and “full of wonder,” provide a haunting contrast to the album’s gritty, often macabre lyrics. Themes of self-empowerment and female strength permeate the album, with James’ lyrics painting a vivid picture of young aspiring witches navigating a world devoid of males.

To promote “Shrines,” Purity Ring released several singles, including “Obedear,” “Belispeak,” and “Fineshrine,” each accompanied by visually striking music videos. The album debuted at number 32 on the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative production and evocative storytelling.