Saturday, May 23, 2015

BRAIDS: Deep in the Iris album review

On April 28th the Canadian three-some, BRAIDS, released their third studio album, Deep in the Iris. Since releasing their debut LP, Native Speaker in 2011 the band, who have been collaborating together since their high-school days, have released an album every two years.

Their dreamy allure has noticeably matured into orchestral pop from an experimental indie beginning layered with sparkly nautical chimes gushing with chic piano and stylish guitar hooks.





A tinge of sadness masquerades within the blend of intricate yet carefree melodies as beautifully truthful lyrics bring the excruciating feelings of heartache and desire to life with a formidable tenderness. Raphaelle Standell's vocals ring expressive as the nine tracks explore intense topics including porn ("Sore Eyes") and slut-shaming ("Mini-Skirt") among other strong themes such as abuse. 










Recently trudging through some emotional turmoil of my own, the songs that personally struck big chords bookend this album: the title lyrics of first song, "Letting Go" gently tug at my healing heart strings every listen, because, as the songs says and as I am painstakingly learning, "the hardest part is letting go." "Warm Like Summer" wraps up the album with eclectic percussion, imaginative synths and simple, cascading lyrics, " you're always in my heart" easily connecting it's sentiment to the likes of  the first track.  If eyes are windows to our souls, Deep In The Iris is a warm invite inside the inner most thoughts of the band, BRAIDS



Touring this summer with another band from Canada, Purity Ring, BRAIDS is sure to perform some of their new material live! With similar, whimsical sounds, BRAIDS opening for Purity Ring will be a magically memorizing  show you won't want to miss if you're a fan of either band, or both bands like I am!  


Tour Dates: 

May 24th: House of Blues, Houston, TX
May 26th: Republic, New Orleans, LA
May 28th: Amos Southend, Charlotte, NC
May 29th: 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
May 30th: Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA
June 2nd: Terminal 5, New York, NY
June 3rd: Terminal 5, New York, NY
June 4th: Higher Ground, Burlington, VT  
June 5th: Metropolis,  Montreal, QC
June 7th: Royal Oak Music Hall, Detroit, M
June 8th: Riviera Theatre, Chicago, IL 
June 9th: First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 
June 10th: Garrick Centre, Winnipeg, MB
June 12th: MacEwan Hall Ballroom, Calgary, AB
June 15th: Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
June 16th: Shobox SoDo, Seattle, WA
June 17th: Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
  






Deep In The Iris 
track-listing

1) Letting Go
2) Taste
3) Blondie
4) Happy When
5) Miniskirt
6) Getting Tired
7) Sore Eyes
8) Bunny Rose
9) Warm Like Summer



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