Purity Ring at The Phoenix Concert Theatre - Concert Photos

Purity Ring performed a show at Toronto's Phoenix Concert Theatre that sounded and looked absolutely stunning. From the music, which of course is the main reason we were all there, to the elaborate wardrobe, to the projected visuals, it was all so, so beautiful.

Purity Ring have tried to mount this tour a few times now, and are very cautious about covid since if they get it, that means cancelled shows, disappointed fans, and lost money. Their request was for everyone to wear masks, and most complied.

We heard uplifting, intimate and enchanting music from their latest release, graves, 2020's womb, 2015's Another Eternity, and their 2012 debut, Shrines. It was magical. All my favourites were included. Check out the full setlist here.

It was a gorgeous night of music and visuals. Check out some Purity Ring music below.

Ekkstacy opened up the show. My shots of their set are here.

"stardew"

"begin again"

Field Trip Line-Up

Field Trip is back for its third year at Fort York / Garrison Common in Toronto on June 6 and 7. As usual, it's a fantastic line-up of bands covering a wide range of genres. Check out some of the acts I'm most looking forward to, get excited and get your tickets. They're on sale now.

Alabama Shakes

My Morning Jacket

Marina & the Diamonds

Father John Misty

Arkells

The War on Drugs

Purity Ring

Young Empires

Rhye

Dan Mangan & Blacksmith

Kevin Drew & Andy Kim

Lee Fields & the Expressions

Apostle of Hustle

Temples

New music from Purity Ring

It's been about two years since I first wrote about Purity Ring. I really like their beautiful and evocative electronic music. They've got a new album called Another Eternity coming out March 3. Take a listen to a couple of tracks from the new album. Sounds like a solid follow up to such great tunes as "Fineshrine" and "Belispeak".

Good stuff!

"Push Pull"

"Begin Again"

Pic from Facebook.

Cool songs from the Polaris Prize long list

Those music-loving folks at The Polaris Music Prize have released this year's long list of nominees. I'll be picking through it and discovering some new stuff I've never heard before, but for now, I'll just post a few of the familiar standouts from the list, from my perspective.

Best of luck to all the nominees for exposure, success and music-making.

The Luyas, Animator, "Fifty Fifty"

Metric, Synthetica, "Youth Without Youth"

METZ, METZ, "Wet Blanket"

AC Newman, Shut Down The Streets, "I'm Not Talking"

Purity Ring, Shrines, "Fineshrine"

Tegan and Sara, Heartthrob, "Closer"

Young Galaxy, Ultramarine, "Pretty Boy"

I really don't want to make a prediction on who will win for three reasons:

1. I'm not familiar with all the albums, so it would be unfair
2. Even among the artists I know, there are so many great songs
3. I don't usually like the band/album that wins

What an interesting combination...

Here's a very varied bunch of tunes that my smart playlist served up today.

"Wake Up" by Rage Against the Machine

"Grandloves" by Purity Ring, and

"Someone Who's Cool" by Odds

Purity Ring with Fineshrine

While the name Purity Ring was certainly ubiquitous during 2012, and I did hear the single "Fineshrine" from last year's Shrines, it didn't really seep into my subconscious until quite recently. If you haven't heard it before, or if you never really paid close enough attention before now, take a listen to the ever-pleasant sounds this Canadian band puts out counterpointed against the lyrical content.

Love it!

"Fineshrine"

"Belispeak"

"Lofticries"

They'll be in Toronto at the Phoenix Concert Theatre on February 1.