Before Braille

Before Braille originated in Mesa, Arizona, during 1999 after vocalist David Jensen and guitarist Hans Ringger reconnected. The pair, who had gone to high school together before pursuing separate travels, decided to start a project rooted in the DIY ethos and the sound of Fugazi. They slowly assembled original material, first bringing bassist Brandon Smith into the lineup and later adding drummer Kelly Reed. Their first release, a four-song EP, arrived in March 2002 and drew both press attention and college-radio rotation for its emo approach. Live shows with Jimmy Eat World and similar acts expanded their reach. That fall the band issued its debut full-length, The Rumor, through Aezra Records. Since then Before Braille has played extensively across the American Southwest and Pacific Coast.