BRAIDS - Euphoric Recall
Secret City
Released April 28th, 2023
This year’s heat has come early, creating an early summer vibe that, for this reviewer, has meant more of all the best parts of the year. Lucky for us, it also means plenty of new music to be added to the 2023 Summer playlist. Today we’ve got the fifth studio album by Montreal pop experimentalists BRAIDS. The new record, Euphoric Recall, sees the Montreal group trying out some new energy and playing with familiar elements. The album opens with the track “Supernova,” which has a non-traditional beat but is held together by the instantly intoxicating vocals of singer Raphaelle Standell-Preston. The song hums along through its 8 min run time, moving between driven sections and orchestral flourishes. The track opens the album and allows the listener to take a quick look inside, but it's not likely to be quick; you’ll spend some time with this release.
Euphoric Recall was written, recorded, and mixed at Studio Toute Garnie, Braid’s Montréal studio. The sound of this record is laid back but also calls the listener to attention, at times being calm and then erupting. Elements weave in and out, shading a rich universe without crowding it. Producer Austin Tufts (having produced records for Devon Welsh and Tess Roby) lends a tender ear and highlights the most precious moments of this release. The album feels lush and fun, providing the listener with bright moments to find inspiration, perfectly timed for the warmer months.
Standell-Preston’s vocal delivery grounds the songs on the record, while orchestral and instrumental flourishes add body. The songs take flight due to the souring vocal sections. There are many repeated phrases in different songs, allowing the listener to play them over and see how their meaning changes and evolves. An excellent aspect of these songs is that they feel a little playful and invite the listener to get involved and invested.
Euphoric Recall has an excellent edition to the BRAIDS’ catalogue that will not disappoint long-term fans while being more laid back than some previous releases. Between the beautifully crafted vocal melodies and layered orchestral elements, Euphoric Recall will be an excellent record for any listener to get lost in on an evening drive this summer.
- Earl D
