CD of The Week

Nada Surf - Moon Mirror (New West)

As the 90's music scene filled the air with grunge, pop-punk, and electronica, Nada Surf were unknowingly availing themselves as the progenitors of the current indie music scene. Thirty-odd years ago, their first (of now 10) albums laid out harmonious, melodic, and strummy guitar rock, but was likely categorized in the overly generic term "alternative." Perhaps it wasn't until the early aughts that the term "indie rock" was regularly used to help define this revised, 80's- influenced, college rock sound that's been flying under the radar all this time; think Superchunk, Teenage Fanclub, etc. For this tenth album entitled Moon Mirror, Nada Surf found themselves recording at the famous Rockland Studios in Wales and co-producing with Ian Laughton (Ash, Supergrass). Over 44 minutes, these 11 tracks examine the human condition, touching upon everything from love, loss, grief, and hope. After three decades of maturity and lessons learned, Moon Mirror arrives as one of their most accomplished records yet.

Without re-inventing the wheel, Nada Surf (core members Matthew Caws, Daniel Lorca, Ira Elliot, and newcomer Louie Lino) hone in on their craft, filling each song with lush melodies and crisp production. Lead single "In Front Of Me Now" is a gorgeous slice of indie pop about living in the moment, forgiving yourself for missed opportunities, and not being overwhelmed by all of the noise ("Oh there's too much terrain, I can never explain it all, It's too much for my brain, I do what's in front of me"). The title track describes a cosmic interconnectedness between all who've ever directed their nightly gaze to the skies, hoping the moon will show us the way ("There's an infinity maypole, Billions of arcing lines, Searching up through space from, All these human eyes"). Album opener "Second Skin" explores the virtues of staying true to yourself while the album finishes with the beautiful and mellow "Floater."

"Losing" is a sweetly sad ballad accompanied with subtle strings that deftly features Caws’ lilting tenor. He lovingly acknowledges his big sister and her influence on the rocking "Intel And Dreams," and "New Propeller" is a lovely anthem about opening yourself up ("Don't be afraid, You won't be replaced"). In general, Caws’ lyrics graciously invite their own interpretations; lines like "Some feelings they follow through hot and through cold, Attached like a kite that I don't want to hold" from "Open Seas" afford the listener the luxury of deciding what that may mean for them.

Not as cheeky as Fountains of Wayne and less ethereal than The Ocean Blue, but indebted to both, Nada Surf rides these indie pop waves once again with one of the brightest and most genuine albums of the year. While Caws is hopeful to not let another four years go before the next album, it's clear to see that Nada Surf has aged gracefully; there's still a lot of life left to explore, and this band will continue to musically define it as only they can.

Catch the Nada Surf Y-Not Radio Takeover with lead singer Matthew Caws On Demand and see their live show here in Philly at Underground Arts on Thursday, October 3rd.

Review by Dave Lindquist