Purity Ring

Overview

"Get a little closer... Cut open my sternum and pull my little ribs around you", Megan James sings on Purity Ring's "Fineshrine", a song so immaculate and pretty it takes a few listens for the darkness of the lyrics to come into focus. The Canadian duo revel in this kind of contrast: Lush, manicured synth pop with a dark undercurrent that leaves a more unsettling afterglow.

Initially formed out of Montral indie band Gobble Gobble, Purity Ring's debut full-length Shrines ranks as one of the year's best, an immersive, swirling collection with pulsing rhythms and pockets of deceptive darkness. Touring for Golden Plains festival, the pair will also bring their live show (which includes a renowned light show courtesy of the other member, Corin Riddick) to Sydney. Their first show at Oxford Art Factory is already sold out, so hurry to catch their recently announced second one.