Canadian indie rock/shoegaze ensemble Braids make noisy, somewhat experimental pop that owes a heavy debt to various shoegaze bands of the '90s. Braids originally started out as Calgary-based band the Neighborhood Council. The four-piece released an EP before relocating to Montreal and changing its name. Braids released their debut full-length album, Native Speaker, in early 2011. Later that year, Native Speaker was shortlisted for a Polaris Music Award. In June 2013, the In Kind//Amends EP offered the first taste of Braids' more streamlined, electronic-based sound. ~ Matt Collar