#corin roddick

Purity Ring holds a special place in my heart. When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, the group released Womb, an album that granted me peace of mind amidst the chaos. From cover art to lyrics, beats and melodies, everything is so ethereal and gorgeously synced together.

The show kicked off with opening act EKKSTACY, who delivered passionate and captivating indie punk-rock. Joined by piercing electric guitar and intense drums, EKKSTACY’s setlist included the dimly upbeat “it only gets worse, i promise,” the dominating and dark “I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING,” and the intensely disinterested “f*ck everything!”

EKKSTACY moved with devotion and purpose, often clinging onto the mic stand like his life depended on it. His vocal tone was magnetic, strong, and crisp, while still maintaining a textured indie flair. Red stage lighting painted a bold contrast with the band’s all-black attire.

“I’m actually from here,” said EKKSTACY, a little bit shyly. “I was born in Surrey.”

“You escaped!” yelled someone from the crowd. It was clear that EKKSTACY’s hometown had been sleeping on massive talent.

Purity Ring began their setlist with “pink lightning,” a song swirling in dainty electric sparkles and waves of deep bass. James entered the stage wearing a large, hooded jacket and Roddick produced behind on what looked like a chunky organ.

“Warm water rises / It still feels like I can’t stop crying / Hold me inside it / It still feels like a storm not dying.”

Next up was “soshy,” a track off the duo’s newly released album graves. Cute industrial sounds accompanied James’ elegantly processed vocals. Green abstract projections danced in the background, as golden spurts of lighting lit up Roddick’s instrument. The sound quality was exquisite.

Purity Ring played through a mix of songs from different albums, including the snappy and heavy “Obedear,” along with the slower and cinematic “i like the devil.” They also played “push pull,” “repetition,” and “Lofticries.” Each song was an enchantment that put the crowd in a trance.

“Green, green thunder / And the loud, loud rain / Lead our woes asunder / ‘Neath the proud, proud veins”

James danced lightly and gracefully, almost skating all over the stage. Her hair cascaded in the wind as colourful lighting assortments rotated, and firefly-like projections flickered in the dark. A wardrobe change during the concert had James standing on a tall chair in an extremely long dress, creating a sharp silhouette.

The musicians wore masks the entire performance and thanked those who wore them at the event, advocating for keeping each other safe.

Purity Ring’s last songs included the otherworldly pop number “bodyache,” the light-hearted “Fineshrine,” and the strikingly inspirational “graves.” Coming full circle, Purity Ring ended their performance off with “begin again.” Heavy dramatic bass contrasted with James’ gentle vocals, as the crowd joined in on the chorus.

“You’ll be the moon / I’ll be the earth / And when we burst / Start over, oh darling / Begin again”

Purity Ring’s concert was a sight for sweet eyes. It was a marvelous, magical spectacle that nurtured ears, eyes, and soul.