Braids // Deep in the Iris

Braids

Deep in the Iris

Arbutus Records

2/5 stars

There is no denying that the members of Montreal trio Braids are talented or that they mesh together like fingers intertwined for prayer. Seeing them perform is fascinating. Vocalist Raphaelle Standell-Preston melds her lilting voice into a hypnotic electric soundscape of layered vocals, synthesizers, and percussion. If you were to strip away the Celtic mythology and deep magic and showmanship of Kate Bush, you would have what Braids does here. But really, does anyone want to listen to Kate Bush without those things? Braids' music is fun to watch, but not so much fun to listen to. Alternating between sleep-inducing and mildly abrasive, the soundscapes Braids creates are so synthesized that the intricacies of the percussion and the beauty of the voice are completely squelched. When the insipid lyrics of the song "Miniskirt" are added into the mix, you may just say your own prayer asking for the album to end. — Bryan Toy