Wednesday, March 7, 2012

SXSW 2012 Preview: Purity Ring


For a band to have as much hype as Purity Ring with only a few released songs they have to be good right? Well, maybe not but I saw Purity Ring at FunFunFun Fest and they melted my mind. I liked them from the opening song but by the time they played their last tune I was completely enraptured. They don't thrash around the stage and they won't have a spectacular light show what they will have is a home-made contraption they use to trigger samples, they'll distort the beautiful child-like vocals and they'll live-program some of the coldest beats you've ever heard. You'll want to dance but chances are you'll just stand staring, mouth agape in total wonderment. I have been waiting for Purity Ring to return to Austin since November and I will do my best to be wherever they are as many times as I can. Luckily for you, me and everyone else on the planet there will be several chances to see Purity Ring during SXSW. In the meantime, I encourage you to listen to the three tunes they've released thus far over on Purity Ring's Soundcloud page.


Purity Ring - Lofticries video via YouTube

I wanted to follow yesterday's post about the Robert Glasper Experiment with this one about Purity Ring because I'm presented with the Sophie's Choice of SXSW. Do I see an artist, who I have seen before, or do I go check out someone who I really want to see. I mentioned above the break that Purity Ring will have several performances during SXSW but they are only playing Central Presbyterian Church once and seeing them play there would be astounding. Unfortunately it's happening at precisely the same time as the Robert Glasper Experiment's set at The Elephant Room. Both performances are in great spaces and guarantee to be fantastic experiences now it's just a question of choosing.

The first performance from Purity Ring during SXSW will take place at the Chevrolet Sound Garage. They go on at 1am Wednesday evening/Thursday morning. If you want to catch Purity Ring at the church their performance is at 10:30pm on Thursday the 14th. However, the same people that booked them at FunFunFun Fest are hosting their, outstanding, Mess With Texas party where you can also catch Purity Ring. If you are only doing unofficial SXSW events make sure you see check-out the Mess With Texas party.