Wednesday, July 12th, 2023
National Sokols in Bethlehem, PA was the site for a very special occasion. Having recently released the remixed and remastered 25th anniversary version of 90s landmark album ‘Frame and Canvas’, emo legends Braid embarked on a tour to celebrate. This was the first night of the tour and also their first show in 7 years. The sold out venue was packed and the July evening was a warm one.
Local favorites Small Mess opened the show. Unfortunately, I was occupied elsewhere (explained below) and was only able to catch the last song. We already know and love Small Mess though.
Next up was Gladie. Augusta Koch’s reputation preceded her with work in the excellent and sadly now defunct Cayetana. Gladie is a newer musical endeavor that includes her partner Matt Schimelfenig. They put out a new album ‘Don’t Know What You’re In Until You’re Out’ last year. This had somehow eluded me until recently but consider that corrected. Seeing them live cemented my appreciation.
Lastly, Braid closed things out and blasted their way through ‘Frame and Canvas’. If there was any rust, it wasn’t obvious to us in the audience. After the album was covered, they rounded things off with selections from ‘No Coast’ (my personal favorite), ‘The Age of Octeen’ and some deeper cuts. Despite the heat, the band seemed energized and loose. Seeing drummer Damon Atkinson pull off such complex beats with ease had me more than impressed.
The thing about full album shows is that an element of surprise goes out the window as you know most of the setlist. That said, if you’re like me and weren’t there the first time around, it’s a unique experience to get a full dose of a band’s most beloved work.
Before all of that, I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Braid’s bass player Todd Bell. This was done in the locker area near the bowling alley downstairs. I hadn’t explored this part of Sokol’s before and it was nice to see that. It was also quieter and cooler, so wins all around!
We talked about the new version of ‘Frame and Canvas’, a bit about life now and we get into some interesting territory.
I believe it’s said in the interview, but obviously I respect bands that are trying to make it and see how far they can take this music thing. Great! I also deeply respect bands that are at peace with their place in life/musical history. Braid is in the latter category. They all have lives and families and other things going on but they’re tied together by friendship. There’s a creative spark but any time they get together to write or play, it’s just an excuse to spend time together as friends.
Considering their growth, I sincerely hope we get new music from Braid, at some point. In the meantime, a little nostalgia will do just fine!
WORDS / Interview: JJ Ellis
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JJ Ellis
JJ has been reporting on the entertainment scene since he got charged for not rewinding his DVD’s at Blockbuster. When he’s not writing about music, movies, or live events, he’s busy writing comedy sketches for Pigeon City or the Upright Citizens Brigade.
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