Nada Surf
The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
(Barsuk Records)

For this reviewer, Nada Surf has always been one of those reliable bands that I can expect to put out a strong release. I don’t have to worry beforehand or check out samples before purchasing – I can take solace in the fact that the album will be up there in terms of quality. The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, the band’s latest release, takes my expectations for the band to a whole other level of quality.

While Nada Surf is best known for the one-hit wonder, “Popular,” the band has departed stylistically since the 1996 hit. Tracks now, like “Teenage Dreams,” reflect the same bouncy indie rock that the band has now become popular for. However, there are tracks on this release like “Let the Fight Do The Fighting” that are a bit reminiscent of “Popular.” The track even features a few brass lines – providing the bravado for the track that lyrics provided in “Popular.” The band has grown up, but has also grown the depth of their quality. Call-and-return guitar lines have become a standard from Nada Surf and this album is no different. “The Future” is perhaps the strongest track on the release and features lyrics like, “The future has long lines/The future looks like a screen/It’s all you’ll ever see.” The track is a call to action for the listener: live your life or it will pass you by. Each listener can see themselves in the track.

You’ll be doing yourself a favor by picking up this album. Plan to see this band on several album-supporting tours this spring for a phenomenal life experience.