“It’s extremely personal. When I wrote the things that I’m singing, I didn’t expect anyone to hear it, or know it, or say it.” – Megan James¹

When discussing music, the word “intimate” is generally reserved for the discussion of gentle, crowded-sounding music. Acoustic guitars accompanied by fragile singing, that sort of thing. But an element of intimacy that I think is as equally important as the “closeness” suggested is the sensation of discomfort that goes with intruding on a moment of intimacy. An intimate moment between two people is something that ought not to be shared, something intensely private.

For me, Purity Ring’s “Fineshrine” captures that aspect of intimacy. It’s my favourite song of the year, but generally that statement denotes an unspoken mark of ownership – this is my song now, as much as it is the artist’s.. it’s meaningful to me. “Fineshrine” doesn’t do that: it remains, undeniably, the property of Megan James (the vocalist). It’s intensely personal, demonstrated by the peculiar, haunting lyrics: “Cut upon my sternum and pull/My little ribs around you.” It’s like overhearing a stolen snatch of conversation between lovers, something you were never meant to hear, woven amongst delicate and beautiful ribbons of electronica.