Braids Lemonade (Green Go Remix)

Montreal quartet Braids dives into the dubious genre of pop with their space-like progressions, exploding beats, and artfully constructed electronics. Do these descriptions suit genres such as "glitter pop"? Electro pop? Snap, crackle, pop? Sure, why not?

With their debut album, Native Speaker, to be released on January 18, this once under-the-radar group is already making a name for themselves thanks to SPIN labeling them as Best New Artist for January 2011. Although it's not surprising that this foursome is gaining the recognition they deserve, one who is unaware of their forthcomings must wonder, "What is so special about these guys?" With special attention towards the ever-popular electro-pop music scene, Native Speaker is a musical compilation full of female harmonies, glimmering reverb, simplistic lyrical persuasions, and magnetic backbeats.

Steering away from the typical female vocalist electro-pop stereotype, Braids maintains a deep obscurity that experiments with odd, unrecognizable noises and heavenly hypnotizing vocals that is unlike many in music today. Their most recognizable and tantalizing track, "Lemonade," is one of the more light-hearted tunes from Native Speaker and will be replaying in the back of your mind for hours, even days, after listening. "Native Speaker" is one of the more ominous tracks, displaying their appreciation for rhythmic depth, vocal layering, and electronic experimentation.

The entire album offers a multiplicity of what Braids is capable of musically, and illustrates that female vocalist pop groups can pull off off-hand physicalities and still maintain a warm and beautifully controlled substance throughout.