Originally from Calgary, Raphaelle Standell-Preston (lead vocals, guitar), Austin Tufts (drums), Katie Lee (keys, vocals) and Taylor Smith (bass, guitar, drums) formed Braids during their senior year of high school, practiced like crazy, and moved to Montreal. All that practice paid off, because Native Speaker is a very solid debut. They start off with “Lemonade,” a track that flies like a hummingbird with shimmering afro-pop-inspired guitars, punctuated by Standell-Preston’s sharp vocals. It’s a blinding start to this intriguing album, laced with unrelenting rhythms and crystal clear keyboards. Each song seems to take you on a journey, whether it be to the calm, placid landscape of “Glass Deers” or the fast-paced scene of “Plath Heart.” If this is just the beginning, then I can’t wait to hear what these guys do next. – Written by DBosket
SIMILAR | Animal Collective, Deer Tick, Gang Gang Dance, Glasser, Mogwai