Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 22nd, 2013

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Considering they have a name like Purity Ring, lo-fi electronic R&B partners Megan James and and Corin Roddick of Edmonton put on quite the sensual show Thursday at the El Rey Theatre. Although the Canadian duo made the Coachella bill this year, people still flocked to the L.A. venue for a provocative experience in support of the duo’s highly regarded debut “Shrines.” Like the record, the band’s visual setup presented a shrouded eeriness. Between the echoes and the artistically clever set-up of luminous cocoons, Roddick’s “tree lantern” and James’ mounted kick drum – that both lit up dramatically when hit with mallets – Purity Ring’s hits such as “Belispeak,” “Obedear” and “Fineshrines” emanated a glow as James’ pitch-shifted vocals flowed among Roddick’s meticulously percolating beats. Creeping shadows, bouncing light fractals, ghostly grooves and twisted lyrics brought Purity Ring’s live show to eccentric and euphoric heights. Montreal’s Blue Hawaii opened the night.

Photos by Kelsey Heng