Nada Surf

Being almost three years to the day since their last album Lucky was released in February 2008, you would think that Nada Surf’s sound would’ve changed, or maybe they would have taken a different direction and grown, somehow. ‘The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy’ is their sixth studio album, which is available to buy from Monday, 23rd January.

Singer, Matthew Caws said about the new album, “We’ve always played faster and a little harder live. So with this album, we made a conscious decision to preserve what it felt like in the practice room, when you play with that new-song energy”. I am sure that if you hear this album played live Nada Surf will do exactly what it says on the tin and put their whole heart and soul into the performance just as they do on the album giving it a sound that does sound raw and organic. But there is nothing new here that we haven’t heard before from them. They stick to the tried and tested formula of sweet and happy American indie songs that will no doubt become the soundtrack for many American TV shows that require the safe and likeable tracks for teenage girls to sing along to.

There are a couple of much needed interruptions from the same pace and beat on this album in the form of ‘When I Was Young,’ which really shows the depth and emotion in Caw’s voice and is truly a great song, and ‘Jules & Jim’ which takes on a summery feel and makes you want to go and hang out down by the river and kick back with your friends. Most of the album, however, has me waiting for some kind of build-up that just never came and had me waiting in vain.

Nada Surf? Nada more to offer on this new album if you are already familiar with their other stuff, but if they are new to your ears then you shouldn't be disappointed. Nada Surf are a band that has so much more to offer, I am sure, so keep your eyes peeled as you never know what is around the corner.