Braid was a punk band from Urbana (Illinois), led by singer guitarists Bob Nanna and Chris Broach, that delivered an angular punch in a somewhat intellectual fashion, while at the same time packaging their Midwestern roots into punk-rock sounds. That the best track on Frankie Welfare Boy Age Five (Divot, 1995) is an instrumental (Angel Falls) only proves the musical skills of the band.
The Age Of Octeen (Mud, 1996) was already a mature work from a mature band, well emancipated from the stereotypes of the genre (American Typewriter). Fugazi and Drive Like Jehu are the most visible references. Their emo-core was possibly the most original of the time.
With Damon Atkinson joining on drums, Frame And Canvas (Polyvinyl, 1998) increased the doses of melody while maintaining the same level of psychological tension (The New Nathan Detroits, Milwaukee Sky Rocket).
When Chris Broach formed Firebird Band, Braid disbanded and Please Drive Faster (Polyvinyl, 2000) was their last single. Movie Music is a two-CD anthology.
Hey Mercedes was born from the ashes of Brain. Their debut album, Everynight Fire Works (Vagrant, 2002), is similar but lighter and more accessible.