Los Angeles - There is a specific calmness beneath the atmospheric Deep In The Iris (on Arbutus Records), the third LP from the Montreal trio, Braids. The electronic art-rock act brings an accessible melodic charm to the new record, which serves as their follow-up to 2013’s Flourish // Perish. Singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston and her partners Taylor Smith and Austin Tufts have created a lush experience with deep pop sensibilities and confessional lyrics to boot.

The shift in ethos for Braids is a welcoming one. Their overall form is taking shape into something quite different on Deep In The Iris in comparison to the stoical soundscape the group traveled on with Flourish // Perish. The former record featured six out of ten tracks that were roughly six or more minutes long. Not one of the nine songs on this endeavor reaches that length (in fact only a mere three go beyond the five-minute mark). Nevertheless, the heavily textured allure and assortment of synth sounds provide a truly intoxicating experience that pulls the listener in ever so tightly. The mesmeric Deep In The Iris is a more comprehensible and articulate record from the triad as they begin to take the first steps toward a potentially new path.

It’s apparent from the start of things that Braids takes on a more transparent approach with “Letting Go.” As the ethereal synths start off the opening track, Standell-Preston eventually leads into her dreamy yet poised vocals. “Taste” leans way more on the pop side, as the glimmering melodies are mellifluous to the ears. “We experience the love/that we think we deserve/and I guess I thought I didn’t need much from this world,” is painfully but confidently sung by Standell-Preston as Braids have now gravitated to storytelling that’s palpable, another notable alteration for the band’s third effort.

“Taste” is a leaner cut up until the final minute where as the snyths take to a low beat and Preston turns to a cathartic singing tactic. “Miniskirt” is sumptuous with the change in tone that borders the likes of R&B for the first half before it enfolds into a larger scaled composition. Its audacious lyrics of misogyny is the driving force behind the track as Braids goes for it all, leaving behind any ambiguity found on earlier recordings. “Getting Tired” blends intricacy and pristine pop for a hypnotic mood. It’s intrinsically beautiful in configuration with a gracefulness covering it from beginning to end. As the shortest track (3:31) on Deep In The Iris, the listener will be clamoring for more of this stimulating sound.

A darkly coated gem, “Sore Eyes,” is a dance tune at heart, conveying a subtle coolness through the pulsating beats. “Bunny Rose” features club beats beneath the lustrous vocals. Cavernously layered and expansive in structure, the synth-pop track is brimming with gorgeous echoes that grow beyond the band’s distinguished repertoire. The jubilant “Warm Like Summer” features pleasant vibes, fluctuating drums, and Standell-Preston’s emotional warbling. It feels like there is a sense of rejuvenation for Braids as they look ahead for the future. Deep In The Iris story-driven tunes and glossier pop sounds is putting Braids on a different course, one that boosts more widespread appeal.

While currently touring in Europe, check out Braids’ Facebook for more information on their upcoming U.S. tour starting in May.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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