In the 1990′s musical landscape, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois’ Braid carved a place for themselves that continues to resonate. Their dual guitar and vocal assault coupled with a math-rockesque rhythm section earned them a legion of fans and a popularity that continues to grow over a decade later.

To quote its members, “Braid played 597 shows, 47 states, and 18 countries…and counting.” Aside from highlighting one prominent aspect of Braid‘s enduring legacy (their relentless touring ethic) the statement also makes one other fact crystal clear: the group does not view their career as a closed book, but rather one in which chapters still remain to be written.

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″s 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. Members then moving on to form Hey Mercedes, The City On Film and The Firebird Band.

Since that time, fans have been treated to two posthumous compilations, a short tour in 2004 and vinyl reissues. 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.