REVIEW: Braid - Closer to Closed

Braid - Closer to Closed
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It’s been over a decade since seminal ‘90s emo/post-hardcore quartet Braid released Frame and Canvas, their last studio album of all new material. Not only has a great deal of time passed, but a great deal has changed in the musical landscape that they were once a part of and helped define, as well. Many bands of the emo/post-hardcore classification have risen and faded in this time, bands that have cited Braid as an influence. Outside of a short reunion in 2004, the Champaign, IL band has remained inactive, but they certainly have not been forgotten.

Last year, the band reunited and soon after were hard at work on new material. The result of those sessions is Closer to Closed, a four song EP featuring three new songs and a cover of “You Are the Reason” by the late singer-songwriter Jeff Hanson. Those looking for the same band that played with a punk-type abandon on Frame and Canvas won’t exactly find that band on Closer to Closed. The EP is considerably less aggressive than much of the Braid’s past work; however, it sounds just as tight and exciting.

Kicking off with “The Right Time,” it becomes clear that the band isn’t shying away from pop on their return; the song comes off sounding more pop punk than post-hardcore. The trend continues on “Do Over,” but the pop swims beneath the busy, lively punch of Braid’s familiar post-hardcore sound. It’s possible to attribute this air of pop to the vocal deliveries of guitarists/vocalists Bob Nanna and Chris Broach. In the past, both led Braid with what could almost be defined as emotive shouting. On Closer to Closed, Nanna and Broach sound more melodious, pensive, and soothing – you could say they’re almost crooning at certain points – adding a bit of pop infection to the band’s already engaging, well-layered instrumentation. “You Are the Reason” is a gorgeous, heartfelt tribute to the band’s late friend, Jeff Hanson, taking the original’s bright, angelic acoustic/electric folk rock and transforming it into a beautifully stirring ballad filled with just enough distorted bite to fight back the tears. “Universe or Worse” leaves its biggest mark as it approaches the midpoint, winding down and fading with a panoramic beauty just like the sun casting its rays on the rolling sea as it slips behind the horizon at dusk.

And while the guys may have traded in the angst for a sort of unassuming confidence vocally, the music is reminiscent of old school Braid. The guitar work of Nanna and Broach maintains that highly expressive, dynamic union, creating a wealth of detail through notes and chords that complement one another through contrast and accord. As for the rhythm section, bassist Todd Bell and drummer Damon Atkinson sound as sharp as ever, providing just the right ratio of precision to agitation; it’s consistent and balanced, but also excited and varied.

The lyrics are nothing particularly noteworthy, but with Braid, it always seemed to be less about what they were singing and more about how they were singing it. That’s not to say their lyrics never carried any weight, but the magnetism of the band’s sound stemmed – and continues to stem – from Nanna and Broach’s unadulterated emotional delivery. Sometimes the simplicity of the words works on Closer to Closed, but, overall, it doesn't match the strength of the music that plays beneath.

Some might find this 21st century Braid particularly mellow compared to the past, but they’ve also matured and proven that they don’t need to shout and vent that youthful angst to convey what’s in their hearts. Closer to Closed proves that a niche genre from the ‘90s has aged well, and, what’s more, isn’t afraid to branch out. Braid existed for just a few years during their initial run, but, here, they demonstrate that their sound is not something that's dated and relegated to the past. Less angst, yes, but more finesse, as well.

Closer to Closed is out tomorrow on Polyvinyl.

MP3: Braid - "The Right Time"