Braid Essentials

Earnest, tuneful, and intense, Braid's indie-meets-hardcore anthems helped define the sound of emo in the '90s. Formed in '93, the Illinois band's early albums were powered by jagged post-hardcore riffs and howling vocals, but with their 1998 breakthrough, Frame and Canvas, they perfected their mix of introspective lyrics, rough pop hooks, shout-along choruses, and punk-inspired energy. Breaking up just a year later, Braid were hailed as emo godfathers when they reformed in 2011, bringing their passionate songs to a new generation.