Over the course of three full-length albums and their latest EP Companion, Montreal-based electronic act BRAIDS have developed a reputation for restless experimentation, which has resulted in each of their recorded efforts sounding different from each other. Interestingly, the material which comprised Companion was written and recorded during the Deep In The Iris sessions — and as a result the EP’s latest single, EP-title track “Companion,”which possess a stark and contemplative minimalism as their lead vocalist’s plaintive vocals are paired with lilting synths. Sonically, the track reminds me quite a bit of Majical Cloudz; in fact, “Companion” possess a similar wistful sense of regret and longing — and that shouldn’t be surprising as the song focuses on the dissolution of a relationship and its aftermath on both people.
The recently released music video possess a surreal, dream-like logic as it portrays its central couple as being simultaneously connected and disconnected, longing and yet uncertain as to what to do or what to say — and its set in some of the most gorgeous desert scenery you can imagine; in some way, it makes the video feel and look like a Dali-esqe dreamscape.
The trio are in the middle of a tour to support both Deep In The Iris and Companion and it includes a New York area stop at Rough Trade in June. Check out tour dates below:
Tour Dates
05.31 – Great Scott – Boston, MA
06.01 – Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
06.02 – Comet Ping Pong – Washington, DC
06.03 – Rough Trade – Brooklyn, NY
06.04 – Ritual – Ottawa, ON
06.17 – The Hug & Pint – Glasgow, SCT
06.18 – Soup Kitchen – Manchester, ENG
06.19 – O2 Academy – Oxford, ENG
06.21 – Patterns – Brighton, ENG
06.22 – Start The Bus – Bristol, ENG
06.23 – Pickle Factory – London, ENG
06.26 – Glastonbury, ENG
06.27 – Arts Centre – Norwich, ENG
07.15 – Pemberton Festival – Pemberton
07.22 – Wayhome Festival – Oro-Medonte
07.23 – Calgary Folk Festival – Calgary, AL
07.27 – Casa Del Popolo – Montreal, ON
07.28 – Casa Del Popolo – Montreal, ON