Baroque Folker

Vanessa Salvia - Eugene Weekly

Brace for a night of punk rock Thursday, April 3rd, when F-Minus, Blasphemous Abnormality and Before Braille blast into WOW Hall. Before Braille doesn't quite mesh musically with the other two hardcore and thrash acts on the bill, but that's just fine with the band. Though their music has been dubbed "emo-core," the musicians say they "bristle" at being stereotyped and categorized. They are unapologetically DIY (do it yourself - a philosophy of being an independent act and not relying on artificial major label exposure and support) and just want their music to speak for itself.

Spawned in Mesa, Ariz., the same ground that produced the popular group Jimmy Eat World, Before Braille started with four high school friends who joined forces about three years ago. Lead vocalist/guitarist David Jensen and guitarist Hans Ringger teamed up to write songs. Bassist Brandon Smith and drummer Kelly Reed joined in the efforts. Guitarist Rajiv "Reggie" Patel came on board and Before Braille was born.

The name, according to Jensen, relates to using guidelines to realize goals: "Everybody battles rules, but there are some that help you achieve. Braille is an example...with universal guidelines, a whole new world opened up."

Proudly citing Fugazi as a marked influence, Braille debuted with The Rumor, released in Sept. 2002 on Aezra Records. Braille's musical style is difficult to convey through words, which accounts for some of the attempts by music critics to pigeonhole the reluctant stars. The 15 songs on The Rumor ably slither from chunky power pop to guitar-led intricacies to quiet, passionate musings on life's vagaries. The lyrics and music are honest and from the heart, whether it be surreal and dream-like or visceral and raw.

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