6/10

While being a pivotal part of the emo scene that flooded American rock music in the 90s, the original legacy of Illinois-based band Braid was to be short lived. After three albums together, the financial future of the group came into doubt and they eventually called it quits in 1999. But after a brief reformation in 2004, Braid have officially been back together since 2011 and have finally delivered their fourth studio album 'No Coast', their first in nearly 16 years.

But while their original catalogue of music is so ingrained in that nostalgic 90s sound of throwaway anthems and quaint personal journeys, this new release has looked for a more contemporary sound and style that will no doubt help the band regain a new, younger fanbase for this century. 'No Coast' has this crossover appeal of what the band and the scene were doing nearly twenty years ago with what has proven popular recently to produce a record that could be enjoyed by light rock fans of any age. It has an almost timeless feel that makes you realise that while music has always looked to evolve and stay relevant, there is enough inspiration to be taken from the past few decades to allow a band like this to stay relevant and create a body of work that still fits in today.

It may not be the most triumphant of comebacks we have seen this year but certainly keeps a competent middle ground that will appease their fans of yesteryear while also bringing a younger crowd to their attention.