What makes Native Speaker by Braids notable?

'Native Speaker' received critical acclaim, landing on numerous year-end lists and establishing Braids as a vital voice in the indie music landscape. The album's innovative production and lyrical depth resonated widely, helping it secure a spot on Pitchfork's Best New Music list. When 'Native Speaker' was released in January 2011, Braids was emerging from their debut EP phase, showcasing their growth as artists. This album marked their first full-length release, solidifying their place in the indie rock scene and expanding upon the experimental sound they had begun to develop.

How many songs are on Native Speaker?

Native Speaker has 7 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Native Speaker

Braids · 2011

43 min · 7 tracks · indie rock

Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a dreamlike soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lemonade — Opening with a pulsating rhythm, this track encapsulates the album's blend of electronic elements and organic instrumentation while exploring themes of longing and identity.
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Plath Heart — With its layered harmonies and introspective lyrics, this song showcases Braids’ knack for melding emotional vulnerability with complex musical arrangements.
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Glass Deers — This track features a mesmerizing build-up that captures the essence of uncertainty and reflection, highlighting the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
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Same Mum — Incorporating intricate vocal harmonies, this song delves into familial relationships, effectively illustrating Braids' talent for storytelling through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Braids' debut full-length showcases intricate compositions and unique soundscapes, establishing their distinct voice in indie rock.

What we noticed

The album features layered vocal harmonies that often overlap, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
Several songs incorporate ambient textures and electronic elements alongside traditional instrumentation, enhancing the ethereal quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lemonade 6:46
2 Plath Heart 4:25
3 Glass Deers 8:09
4 Native Speaker 8:24
5 Lammicken 4:35
6 Same Mum 7:01
7 Little Hand 4:27

What to play next

Listen next

Flourish // Perish

2013

Go back to

Set Pieces

2008

Full Braids discography Artists like Braids

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata