Nineties indie rockers Braid make their return with the EP Closer to Closed, which marks the band’s first new material since 1998. Throughout the EP, the band presents a mellow rock vibe, blending the sounds of bands such as Pavement and Get Up Kids. But there really is nothing remarkable on this EP; everything has the same ’90s sound that made Braid famous — which may appeal to longtime fans — but this is really nothing more than a return record with nothing special about it.
(Polyvinyl Records, 206 N. Randolph St. Suite M100, Champaign, IL 61820)