Braid
Frame and Canvas
Polyvinyl
The “First Day Back” 7” hinted at what to expect from Braid’s third album, and it seems to have served as a decent signpost. The songs on Frame and Canvas are more straightforward than on Age of Octeen, yet Braid’s penchant for constantly changing structures remains intact, and their knack for amazing melodies and memorable songwriting seems to have grown. The songs are more immediately hooky, poppy yet not overly so. Maybe the changes are from their new drummer, or constant touring, or the natural strengthening and tightening of an amazing band – most likely some sort of combination of all three. No matter – the changes are all good. This is the strongest release yet from one of the best emo-rock bands around. Highly recommended. And they’re coming through the southeast in June. See them live. Polyvinyl Record Co., P.O. Box 1885, Danville, IL 61834-1885
