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Shrines
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Shrines Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 122 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the debut full-length release for the Canadian indie electronic duo of Megan James and Corin Roddick.
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Top Track

Belispeak
Grandma, my sleep is narrow Bid you bring me some strong drink Strain out the pulps and set them close outside For when my belly, for when my little... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. The A.V. Club
    Jul 24, 2012
    91
    The band's ability to put repulsive images and to a danceable beat makes Shrines a knockout.
  2. The Fly (UK)
    Jul 20, 2012
    90
    It's a record that effortlessly juxtaposes chopped up electronics and ghostly effects with James' supersweet voice to create eleven strange but simple pleasures.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jul 24, 2012
    84
    Shrines is not about range, instead offering subtly different versions of a single, near-perfect idea. You might think of the album as a sculpture, and each track offers a different vantage point... compulsively listenable.
  4. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Jul 19, 2012
    80
    The final outcome is a trebly plastic-fantastic quality, rendering Shrines closer in tone and texture to coke-rap than ethereal indie.
  5. Spin
    Aug 10, 2012
    70
    The contrast between Purity Ring's two halves is special and compelling, but Shrines goes over best when Roddick's reverent sound and James' lustful fury synchronize and break you off properly, womb-stem-style.
  6. Uncut
    Jul 17, 2012
    70
    Shrines sees this young Canadian duo tamper with generic electro to create often sparkling results. [Aug 2012, p.78]
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  7. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Aug 8, 2012
    40
    The LP plays at depth and synthesis while making do with simply reproducing indie electro-pop tropes.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. elliemusic
    Jul 25, 2012
    10
    An outstanding debut, this sound so addictive and deepest more than ever! a surprising and well done job! one of the best new band actually!An outstanding debut, this sound so addictive and deepest more than ever! a surprising and well done job! one of the best new band actually! Ungirthed, Fineshrine, Saltkin and Belispeak are highly recommendable!… Expand
  2. sebmutimer
    Jul 31, 2012
    10
    The Canadians have been on heavy rotation and recommended highly to friends.

    Incredible flow, catchy yet easily lost in the background - an    The Canadians have been on heavy rotation and recommended highly to friends.

    Incredible flow, catchy yet easily lost in the background - an amazing debut album.

    Grandloves and Loftcries are a favourite - Look forward to seeing them live!    … Expand
  4. starwarsfanatic
    Aug 14, 2012
    10
    wow i cant believe that the critic score has gone so low! Purity Ring's shrines is probably my favorite album this year, along with diiv'swow i cant believe that the critic score has gone so low! Purity Ring's shrines is probably my favorite album this year, along with diiv's oshin. I hope they build on this album's success… Expand
  5. nickerbocka
    Aug 4, 2012
    9
    Definitely one of favourite albums of the year so far. It has a chilled groove the whole way through the album and is very easy to listen to.Definitely one of favourite albums of the year so far. It has a chilled groove the whole way through the album and is very easy to listen to. The album is heavy in punchy beats and warping synth sounds with cool electronic sounds interwoven in the melody. The vocals from the female sound sweet and innocent and compliment the heavy bass and synth sounds. I guess Purity Ring has taken some dub/club elements and made their own awesome unique sound. Strongly recommended!… Expand
  6. charlesobrien
    Sep 9, 2012
    9
    Purity Ring's disturbing lyrics are juxtaposed brilliantly with their glitchy, snyth-filled beats and innocent singing, disguising even thePurity Ring's disturbing lyrics are juxtaposed brilliantly with their glitchy, snyth-filled beats and innocent singing, disguising even the most depraved thoughts within catchy dance beats.… Expand
  7. nobodyknowsme
    Feb 2, 2016
    8
    One of my fave synth-pop records.It is a very good debut album for Purity Ring.Good vocals good melodies everything is satisfying about thisOne of my fave synth-pop records.It is a very good debut album for Purity Ring.Good vocals good melodies everything is satisfying about this album.My fave track is "Ungirthed".I think it's the best song they've ever recorded.… Expand
  8. Vampire25
    Dec 23, 2012
    7
    Solid debut. What it lacks in song-writing, it easily makes up for in great beats and great vocals. All In All, not in my top 10 for thisSolid debut. What it lacks in song-writing, it easily makes up for in great beats and great vocals. All In All, not in my top 10 for this year, but Shrines is a solid debut. Purity Ring can only get better, hopefully.… Expand

See all 11 User Reviews

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99
#99 Most Shared Album of 2012

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