Something Like Sound

Nada who? Casual music fans may not be familiar with Nada Surf, an alternative rock band from New York City, but they have been the unsung staple of college radio stations for over 10 years. Nada Surf’s 1996 semi-hit single “Popular” was the launching block for a new movement of rock music. Bands like Weezer and R.E.M. gained widespread notoriety and success during this time, while Nada Surf remained in the shadows, working on new material and slowly gaining a larger fan base. Their 2005 album The Weight Is A Gift, produced by Chris Walla, continued Nada Surf’s breakthrough to the mainstream. With their latest release Lucky, Nada Surf shows how far they’ve come and exhibits the sound they have developed over the last decade.

The record begins with “See Them Bones,” a moderately paced song with several layers. First, a simple guitar, bass, and drum ensemble fills the speakers, slowly complemented by strings and vocals (featuring a guest appearance from Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard.) Next is “Whose Authority,” an upbeat tune that hearkens back to the glory days of 90′s college radio. “Beautiful Beat” fits its name with both strong drum tracking and great harmonies on the chorus. Nada Surf’s now polished sound continues through the middle part of the album. Highlights of the middle include the guitar driven “Weightless,” the laid back “Are You Lightning?” and the catchy “From Now On.” The album ends on “The Film Did Not Go ‘Round,” a softer, acoustic piece. The lyrics, “Girl I hate to see you go, but the sunlight follows you on down the road,” impart a sense of closure as the disc comes to an end.

Although large portions of the album blend together into a seamless conglomeration of 90′s-esque college radio pop, there are still pockets of innovation and boldness. Lyrically, Nada Surf has words that are catchy and sometimes thoughtful, although never overly-emotional. Taken all together, Lucky is a decent listen and a testament to the roots of modern indie-pop music.