Alternative band Purity Ring has finally returned with its second studio album, “Another Eternity.” The duo, comprised of Megan James and Corin Roddick, has frequented Charlottesville in the past and is known for its dream pop sound and poetic lyricism.
With this latest release, Purity Ring has clearly elevated themselves beyond a small-time band, into a certified future pop machine. The band sticks to the main formulas of their previous work, but that is not at all problematic — it’s actually their biggest strength. Purity Ring knows what works for them, and they’ve found a way to fine tune their music.
“Push Pull” — the first single from this new album — was released back in December and is a testament to this. The track is reminiscent of their earlier work, with an ethereal sound and wispy vocals.
“You push and you pull and tell yourself no,” James sings over the watery synths. This sense of introspection of deep emotion are themes that are carried out throughout the album.
“Stranger Than Earth” sounds like it could be a Drake cover, while “Begin Again” has echoes of songs like Rihanna’s “Get It Over With,” and “Stillness in Woe” could be a track by Lady Gaga.
That said, it is clear Purity Ring tried to create more of a pop feel in this release than in their previous efforts, while keeping the same energy of their previous album. This completely pays off for the duo.
One of the major highlights on the album is “Sea Castle,” a rough, slow-building cut that reaches a thumping chorus perfect for the dancefloor. James croons her signature seductive lyrics over pounding synths, “Baby, why don’t you see, see my sea?/ Make slow, get inside and pull on my sea/ Get inside and build your castle in me.”
Songs like “Sea Castle” are magic because they give the band a chance to showcase a larger sound without sounding like a major pop band. This album would sound great in a stadium setting — it’s as though each track is meant to be blasted at full volume. The music and production are so grand, while James’ poetic lyrics bring a sense of individuality and present the sort of personal soul-searching the band embarks upon.
With “Another Eternity,” Purity Ring has separated itself from the slew of new artists who have come to greater fame since the time of the band’s first album. Since then, acts like CHVRCHES, Lorde, and Broods find their sounds in a similar vein as Purity Ring.
The band, while finding solace in new tracks with a greater pop influence, has marked itself for an era of mature, inspired music. Coming to be known by its introspective lyricism and soaring music, this duo is sure to be around for a while.
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