What makes Frame and Canvas by Braid notable?

Frame and Canvas is often regarded as a landmark release in the emo genre, influencing countless bands that followed. It received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to songwriting and musicianship, achieving a notable position on various underground charts and solidifying Braid's reputation as pioneers of the sound. Released on April 17, 1998, Frame and Canvas is Braid's third album, following their breakout effort, 1996's Frame & Canvas. At this point in their career, Braid had solidified their place within the nascent emo scene, building on their previous successes to refine their sound and lyrical depth.

How many songs are on Frame and Canvas?

Frame and Canvas has 12 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Frame and Canvas

Braid · 1998

41 min · 12 tracks · emo

Intricate guitar melodies intertwine with raw, emotive vocals, capturing the essence of late '90s emo's reflective spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The New Nathan Detroits — Opening the album with frenetic energy, this track showcases Braid's signature blend of intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, effectively setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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Killing a Camera — This song captures a sense of longing and introspection through its poignant lyrics and melodic structure, emblematic of the emotional core that defines the album.
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I Keep a Diary — Concluding the album, this track features a narrative depth and musical complexity that encapsulates the band's evolution and thematic preoccupations throughout Frame and Canvas.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate songwriting and emotional delivery mark it as a significant entry in the emo genre.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature complex guitar interplay that builds tension before the vocals enter, creating a dynamic contrast.
Several songs incorporate abrupt tempo changes, shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more reflective moments.
The album closes with a track that features a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the emotional themes throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The New Nathan Detroits 4:17
2 Killing a Camera 2:34
3 Never Will Come for Us 3:31
4 First Day Back 3:22
5 Collect From Clark Kent 3:24
6 Milwaukee Sky Rocket 3:10
7 A Dozen Roses 4:18
8 Urbana’s Too Dark 3:18
9 Consolation Prize Fighter 3:14
10 Ariel 2:37
11 Breathe In 2:18
12 I Keep a Diary 5:43

What to play next

Listen next

Movie Music, Vol. 2

2000

Go back to

The Age of Octeen

1996

Full Braid discography Artists like Braid

emo

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata