Deep in the Iris

Raphaelle Standell maps the often-vast gaps between love and sex — see Braids’ 2011 standout “Lemonade” and the object lesson on her Canadian art-rock crew’s excellent third LP, Miniskirt, a jeweled time bomb staring down child abuse, eating disorders and slut-shame culture. The music is sensual and surprising, with echoes of Kate Bush and Cocteau Twins. But there’s an inviting new clarity to what Braids are doing: piano chords ground the synth and guitar whirls; the hooks sink in. It’s immersive music that’s less about escape than exploration. Another standout, “Happy When,” begins with an in-breath, like the singer is preparing to dive into some serious depths. It’s an apt metaphor.