Braids – Native Speaker

Band: Braids
Album: Native Speaker

Montreal (via Calgary)-based Braids have released their debut album Native Speaker. Fronted by Raphaelle Standell-Preston (vocals, guitar), her heartbreaking vocals envelop the listener consistently throughout the album. Rounding out the rest of the 4-piece are Austin Tufts (drums, vocals), Katie Lee (keys, vocals) and Taylor Smith (guitar, bass, vocals). The album centers around lavish key/synth melodies and soaring vocals. Their swift rhythm work, combined with atmospheric guitars accentuate Standell-Preston’s vocals, not to mention the lovely harmonies from the entire troupe.

From the opening tune, “Lemonade”, Native Speaker had my attention, with Standell-Preston singing, “All we wanna do is love”, followed by the shimmering “Plath Heart”. The album may appear to be short at 7 tracks, but it nearly reaches 40 minutes. The longer tunes, such as “Glass Dears” and title track “Native Speaker”, consistently hold attention. Throughout the album, Standell-Preston’s cool emotional pleas will tug at your heartstrings, I assure you. The textures and intricacies add up to make this album a great work of art. If the album is a preview of what 2011 has to offer musically, then we’re all in for a great year. But, as it stands, Braids sets the bar pretty high.