CD of The Week

Nada Surf - The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy (Barsuk)

It’s been about four years since we’ve heard new, original music from spunky alternative rock trio Nada Surf. The new album, The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, is pretty much exactly what you would expect from them – raw rock infused with positive energy and catchy hooks. Frontman Matthew Caws still sounds as sweet and youthful as ever. The lyrics seem to find the band reflecting on their lives and looking back with satisfaction at what they see overall. They seem eager to share the lessons they’ve learned and perhaps even bridge the gap between their now older “Popular” fans and new, younger listeners in the process.

“When I was Young” starts off with a slow build and then, about halfway through, turns into an emotionally-charged anthem of nostalgia. The chorus, once finally reached, gets stuck in my brain. “Jules and Jim” is full of charm, with jangling guitar notes, an easygoing beat, and soothing vocals. “No Snow on the Mountain” and “The Future” provide the perfect finish to the album with their uplifting vibe, each with a great message as well. Album opener “Clear Eye Clouded Mind” rocks out from the start. In it, Matthew mentions the album title as he works to find a balance between idealism and realism. There is a steady uniformity throughout, but a closer listen to the lyrics brings forth a depth that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

See Nada Surf live in Philly with An Horse at The TLA on April 9th.
Review by Amy G.