Closer to Closed

From 1993 to 1997, as Braid carved out its musical niche, the pages of the band's history were filled with endless lists of shows played, 7-inches recorded, and followers gained. Then, a year after the release of 1998's Frame and Canvas -- a genre-defining album that continues to serve as an influence for countless musicians to this day – Braid disbanded at the height of its popularity. Since that time, fans have been treated to two posthumous compilations (Movie Music Vols. 1 & 2), a short reunion tour in 2004, and the 2010 vinyl reissues of the long out-of-print Frankie Welfare Boy Age 5, The Age of Octeen, and both Movie Music records. But, even while Braid kept its name on the tip of peoples' tongues, the prospect of hearing brand new music from the band remained elusive -- until now. It took only a few practices to write three new tracks and arrange a cover (of Jeff Hanson's "You Are the Reason"), all of which the band then recorded with engineer J. Robbins (Jawbreaker, The Promise Ring, Jets to Brazil, Frame and Canvas).