“‘No Coast’ is a measured and often gorgeous set of songs, each well-positioned to remind fans why they fell in love with Braid in the first place.” – NPR
‘Frame & Canvas’ and learned how to adjust with age.” – Pitchfork
“‘Easily Braid’s best, catchiest record.” – SPIN
“‘No Coast’ is more sinuous and gyrating, but no less hooky. Despite the time away, it sounds like the band has emerged with all of their tricks intact.” – The Boston Globe
Seminal ’90s indie-rock band Braid have released the brand new music video for their song “Bang.” The track is taken from the band’s first studio album in 16 years titled No Coast(Topshelf Records), an album that was recently deemed “a blueprint for the elder statespersons of emo returning to the fold” by NPR All Songs Considered and an LP that entered the Billboard Top 200 at #119. Featuring a rousing collection of textures, as well as the combined signature vocals provided by guitarists Bob Nanna and Chris Broach, No Coast presents itself as the fitting follow up to the band’s career defining, 1998 indie-rock classic Frame & Canvas. Check out the music video for “Bang” directed by Max Moore over at USA Today HERE.
Braid is currently making Midwest and east coast appearances in support of No Coast. Continuing with two album release shows in Chicago, IL on Sunday, July 20 at Township, the tour will hit additional markets such as Asbury Park, NJ on Wednesday, July 23, Boston, MA on Thursday, July 24, Washington DC on Friday, July 25, Brooklyn, NY on Saturday, July 26 and culminate in a performance in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, July 27. All upcoming tour dates can be found below and information on tickets can be found here.
Since its inception in 1993, Braid released a number of compilation songs, 7″ material and full-length albums that are still regarded as indie-rock benchmarks. 1998 was the defining year for Braid. The band played almost 200 shows that year, toured Europe twice (first with The Get Up Kids then with Burning Airlines), and Polyvinyl Record Co. released Frame & Canvas, the quintessential Braid album, recorded and produced at DC’s Inner Ear studios with J. Robbins. The record was released in April 1998 and met with more success than neither Braid, nor Polyvinyl, had ever imagined.
By early 1999, Braid was ready for a break and, ultimately, ended up deciding to call it quits. The last five days of the band were captured by the Bifocal-directed Killing A Cameradocumentary. Nearly a year later, Damon, Todd and Bob emerged as Hey Mercedes with some additional friends while Chris went on to start The Firebird Band and Lucid Records.
In mid-2010 the members of Braid – Chris Broach (guitar/vocals), Bob Nanna (guitar/vocals),Todd Bell (bass), and Damon Atkinson (drums) – discussed the possibility of working on a new release as well as performing a number of reunion shows that eventually led to their Closer To Closed EP and their Frame & Canvas tour in 2012 where they performed the album front-to-back in addition to a number of fan favorites. This burst of activity was a welcome return for the band that’s also made fans excited for what was possibly next beyond the release and brief stint.
Now in 2014, Braid has returned with a fresh set of material on No Coast that is more of a rebirth of the band rather than a simple reunion. “I think we feel like we want this to be an introduction to Braid more than a follow-up to previous material,” Chris Broach said. “We wanted to capture the spirit and dynamic tension that comes from having two guys up front that have a lot to say and a rhythm section that helps shape the songs. We spent a lot of time looking to where we could give each instrument its own space on the record – everything has its place, and its very deliberate.”
“The drive has always been there to create new, exciting material that would speak to all of our fans, old and new,” Bob Nanna adds. “We’re excited with how the record turned out and look forward to Braid’s busy future.”
Braid will be making the following appearances throughout July. Tour dates below.
JULY
20 – Chicago, IL – Township (early show)
20 – Chicago, IL – Township
23 – Asbury Park, NJ – Asbury Lanes
24 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
25 – Washington DC – Rock and Roll Hotel
26 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
27 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
