When an artist makes a truly breakthrough debut album very often anticipation builds for a follow up endeavor that rivals the first in song structure, lyrical content, and pacing. Most sophomore albums go over well but in some cases show that the band was nothing more than a one hit wonder.
When Canadian Electro-pop duo Purity Ring released its first album titled “Shrines,” it showed the world that we knew nothing about the darkwave, indietronica styled sounds that were emanating from the minds of Megan James and Colin Riddick. So the question is, how does their sophomore album “Another Eternity” hold up compared to that incredible first album? The short answer is this, Purity Ring gives us one hell of sophomore album. It is just as beautiful and distinctive, if not more so, than was the group’s initial effort.
An exquisite opener that is at times both beautiful and spontaneous, “Heartsigh” blends chords and synths that become increasingly powerful. The song is full of raw emotions that crawl under your skin and embrace your senses before cooling down and then coming back to hit you once again. Other tracks such as “Dust Hymn” give off chill-like R&B rhythms that are exquisite and beautiful and leave you wanting more.
Purity Ring’s first album, produced in 2011 sounded like a Beyoncé album possessed by mournful ghosts. While it still has a haunting sound that the band carries, this second album continues to maintain the inimitable mixture of electro pop, chill wave, and R&B beats that distinguishes Purity Ring. Their musical method creates a truly unique and original sound so much so that only the duo that is Megan James and Colin Roddick can pull it off. Where their first album has a dark and moody feel, “Another Eternity” is extremely upbeat and full of likable surprises. Let’s hope we can watch the duo continue on their path of creative excellence. Some other key tracks are “Push Pull,” and “Flood on the Floor.”
View the video for “Bodyache” here: