Deep in the Iris

Braids - Deep in the Iris
Critic Score
Based on 20 reviews
2015 Ratings: #442 / 1021
User Score
Based on 118 ratings
2015 Rank: #237
Liked by 3 people
April 28, 2015 / Release Date
LP / Format
Arbutus / Label
Art Pop, Art Rock / Genre
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CRITIC REVIEWS

90
Drowned in Sound
In lesser hands, it would simply be an unfocused scrappy mess, but Braids have taken all this and managed to create one of the finest records of the year so far.
87
Paste
This is the album that finally cements Braids’ role within Montreal’s accomplished indie artists and Raphaelle Standell-Preston as one of the most uniquely artistic forces in music today.
83
Pretty Much Amazing

The record doesn’t fade into the background the way Flourish // Perish could at times. It seizes attention and engages the listener’s emotions.

83
Consequence of Sound

The specificity in the lyrics and the clarity of Standell-Preston’s voice gives the album an immediate human pull. Beneath that initial glitter, though, Braids have stockpiled a wealth of complexities like puzzles for us to untangle.

80
AllMusic

Deep in the Iris honors emotional states that aren't easy to express -- musically or otherwise -- and brings a clarity to them that make it some of the band's most empathetic music.

80
PopMatters

Deep in the Iris doesn’t completely dissolve Braids’ diverging impulses into one another, but it knows when to nurture one and temper the other, embracing fair compromise without unfair sacrifice.

80
Exclaim!

Deep in the Iris marks a turning point for the band, and I can't wait to hear what's next.

76
Sputnikmusic
‘Deep in the Iris’ may just be their best and most immersive release yet.
74
Pitchfork

Deep in the Iris never lets you get quite too familiar, or comfortable.

70
The 405

Deep In The Iris is full-bodied and assertive, while their lyrics address both the personal and the cultural.

70
The Line of Best Fit

Deep In The Iris feels like something of a sidestep for the band, a digression that toys with candour while still being dominated by a carefully calculated instrumental palette.

70
Rolling Stone
The music is sensual and surprising, with echoes of Kate Bush and Cocteau Twins. But there's an inviting new clarity to what Braids are doing: piano chords ground the synth and guitar whirls; the hooks sink in.
60
Under the Radar
By trying to be the band everyone wants them to be, BRAIDS have sacrificed the qualities that made them so captivating. And that is one hell of a shame.
60
DIY
The only thing holding the album, and the band, back from being outstanding is the lack of obtuse moments; as at points the piano/electronic drums/synth combo can wear a little thin. Maybe try adding some guitar?
60
Tiny Mix Tapes

Although the music doesn’t always conjure it, there’s power in the album’s consciousness.

mj04
85

I find most experimental/indie stuff to be totally pretentious and boring, but this album is absolutely authentic and amazing! They managed to find the perfect balance between interesting and catchy, with every song sounding distinct and telling its own story and also being completely cohesive.
Favorites: Miniskirt, Warm Like Summer, Letting Go, Taste and Sore Eyes.

PSHANDY
84

以前よりも「歌」にフォーカスしたことで万人にリーチし得るポップネスを獲得。美しい歌メロの連続にはただただ心が洗われる。

tha138
60

Post-Cocteau Twins, sweet electro-pop just in love with ... its reflection.

mj04
85

I find most experimental/indie stuff to be totally pretentious and boring, but this album is absolutely authentic and amazing! They managed to find the perfect balance between interesting and catchy, with every song sounding distinct and telling its own story and also being completely cohesive.
Favorites: Miniskirt, Warm Like Summer, Letting Go, Taste and Sore Eyes.

daFigz
78

I sat on this entry for awhile now. I had to re-listen several times to organize my point of view so as to avoid entering a dreadful write-up. tha138 noted the Cocteau Twins vibe... While, BuffaloStaple drew attention to production issues with each of these reviewers giving the release middle ground marks. For me, it's a bit too polished. And, while I do love the Cocteau Twins, I'd rather spin their records than hear them as an influence on another bands LP. My personal favorite of Braids is ... read more

BuffaloStaple
44

The production on this thing is just too glistening and sugary for my taste, and the lyrical subject matter just rubs me the wrong way on a lot of these tracks. Also these songs are incredibly formulaic and the way they are written/structured makes them feel very mundane imo. I do like the lead singer's voice though, she has a good grasp of melody so occasionally the album can be pretty catchy like on the song Taste for example. Outside of that though, there's nothing here that i'd want to ... read more

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Track List

1Letting Go
4:22
2Taste
5:01
3Blondie
4:25
4Happy When
5:40
5Miniskirt
4:54
6Getting Tired
3:32
7Sore Eyes
3:53
8Bunny Rose
5:19
9Warm Like Summer
4:24
Total Length: 41 minutes
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Added on: February 10, 2015