Art rock from Montreal. The trio Braids is from right here and make a brand of music that aspires to be more than just simple rock music. They owe much to the likes of Kate Bush, Bjork and the Cocteau Twins. All of the music found within their third album is serious stuff. It is complex stuff with everything seemingly calm and cool, but if you scratch the surface you’ll find some heat beneath it all. While the music is melodic the lyrical content is honest and forthright. All that directness and emotion, whether contained or not, is ably relayed by the gymnastic voice of lead singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston. This elevates the material and does not allow any clichés to creep in. Hooks are plentiful and at times big. “Letting Go” is a great example of that quality with its keyboard chords and chanting vocals. The honesty is moving and even though this is a new play for band they wear it well. The game is even further upped on “Miniskirt” and then the climax comes on “Happy When”. The last song is epic and the strongest on the album. All the evocative stuff is surrounded by some joy so the whole thing does not get too heavy or morose. “Warm Like Summer” is just that – warm.
Braids – Deep in the Iris
