The excitement in the air was thick Tuesday night, as the sold-out crowd waited eagerly for Purity Ring, the breakout Canadian dream-pop duo whose unique stage show landed them on many “best live bands” lists in 2012.  It’s an honor not normally bestowed upon electronic acts (it’s harder to convey passion while turning knobs or manning pedals)—but Purity Ring are not your typical anything.

The duo, comprised of friends Megan James and Corin Roddick, first burst onto the scene in early 2011 with wiggly single “Ungirthed”—then held the indie press captive as they dropped subsequent singles one by one. In summer 2012, they released their debut, Shrines, an engulfing journey through a bizarre dream world that’s as creepy and it is comforting. Live, these same visions came to life in stunning detail, as James flit around the stage like a gypsy witch doctor, and Roddick pounded out melodies on his now infamous, self-made instrument: myriads orbs lighting up as he struck them. Above them, dozens of colored cocoons dangled from poles, flashing red, green, purple, and white, and the whole experience felt vaguely like being underwater, if it weren’t for the ethereal melodies reverberating from the ceiling.

In under 45 minutes, Purity Ring played all of Shrines, plus a cover of Soulja Boy’s “Grammy”  (a surprisingly moving choice). Live, songs sounded visceral and encompassing, although it was James’ moments of vulnerability (the airy opening to “Lofticries”; the refrain of “Belispeak” where she calls for “Grandma”) that felt particularly potent. James has stated in interviews that the lyrics for songs are inspired by dreams—it makes sense then that watching her perform is like being a fly on the wall in someone else’s headspace, where the freaky and fantastic meld in unsettling, but rewarding new ways.

Setlist
Amenamy
Crawlersout
Belispeak
Saltkin
Lofticries
Cartographist
Grandloves
Obedear
Grammy (Soulja Boy cover)
Ungirthed
Shuck
Fineshrine

Lambeth, London’s Palma Violets play Kung Fu Necktie tonight.  The punk band has built a strong following through playing live shows, despite having released only a handful of songs.  One track, “Best of Friends,” was voted NME’s song of the year for 2012.  Palma Violets have also been nominated for BBC’s Sound of 2013 poll.  Blending garage punk with psychedelic rock influences, Palma Violets have a debut album set for release on February 25th through Rough Trade.  Tickets and information for the 21+ show with Dreambooks can be found here.  Below, watch the new video for “Step Up For the Cool Cats.”

Guitarist Chris Forsyth will perform at Johnny Brenda’s tonight.  The local musician blends many styles of guitar playing, including art rock, folk and blues to create a hypnotic experience of textured layers and international influences.  Moving on from being part of Peesseye to primarily working solo, Forsyth has collaborated with Meg Baird, Steve Gunn and others.  2012 saw the release of Kenzo Deluxe on Northern Spy, a paired down approach to his electric guitar compositions.  Tickets and information for tonight’s 21+ show with Ben Seretan and The Neighborhood Choir can be found here.  Watch Chris Forsyth perform “Downs and Ups” from Kenzo Deluxe below.

Canadian outfit Purity Ring stop by Union Transfer tonight.   The duo put an airy, dreamy pop spin on bass drenched electronica with glittery synths and Megan James’ sweetly innocent vocals.  With instrumentalist Corin Roddick, Purity Ring broke off of Born Gold when Roddick began exploring production techniques and beat making.  Last year’s Shrines LP was Purity Ring’s debut and was released on 4AD.  Tickets and information for the all-ages show with Young Magic can be found here.  Watch the video for “Fineshrine” below.

Photo by Joe Del Tufo

Last week Barclaycard announced their Album of Year shortlist for the 2012 Mercury Prize.  It surprised no one that London-based singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka was one of the names on that list, nominated for his debut full-length Tell Me a Tale.  Though he’s only 25, the BBC Sound of 2012 winner’s music is unequivocally inspired by the soul and folk musicians of the sixties and seventies.  Kiwanuka plays The Trocadero tonight, along with fellow British folk singer Marcus Foster and Australian singer/songwriter Matt Corby.  Doors are at 7:00 for the all ages show, and tickets are $16.50 here.  Below, watch the video for “I’m Getting Ready”.

A bit farther north, another musician from across the pond is playing Union Transfer.  Glen Hansard may be better known as one half of Irish folk/rock duo The Swell Season (alongside Marketa Irglova) or as the founder of Irish rock stalwarts The Frames, but he proved that his solo material  is just as honest and  moving with 2012’s Rhythm & Repose.  A little bit Van Morrison and a little bit Ray LaMontagne, Hansard’s songs are saturated with emotion and personal reflection while still being hopeful.  Glen Hansard will perform at Union Transfer tonight with Liverpool natives The Lost Brothers.  The show is all ages, and tickets can be purchased here for $30.   Doors are at 7:00pm, music begins at 8:00pm.  Watch the video for the single “Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting Below”.

If September 7^th’s Free at Noon with Canadian rockers The Sheepdogs didn’t satisfy your need for bushy-bearded men playing good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, you’ll want to be at Johnny Brenda’s tonight to catch another set.  The band has been racking up accolades left and right over the past couple of years, including winning the grand prize in Rolling Stone’s “Choose the Cover” contest, three Juno Awards and three CASBY awards.  Tonight, the Sheepdogs are supported by The Black Box Revelation.  Tickets for the 21+ show can be purchased here, and doors open at 8:00pm. Below, watch the video for “The Way it Is”.