Music Review: Nada Surf
Margaret Price
Issue date: 1/31/06 Section: features
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Versus Magazine Online [Image Edition]
New York-based indie hopefuls Nada Surf have been a mainstay on the alternative music scene for quite some time. Longtime school friends Matthew Caws, lead guitarist and vocalist, and bassist Daniel Lorca finally teamed up after a plethora of failed musical ventures and formed Because Because Because, a prototype band that eventually evolved into Nada Surf in 1993. After some difficulty replacing their longtime drummer, the burgeoning trio signed to Elektra and released their first LP, High/Low, in 1996. The band returned two years later and recorded their second full-length, The Proximity Effect. After a four-year hiatus, Nada Surf returned in full force with their highly-acclaimed third album, Let Go, which is arguably their best studio effort to date. The band's playful, energetic melodies and quirky lyrics sparked the interest of Chris Walla, guitarist for largely successful indie darlings Death Cab For Cutie. Walla, who produced their fourth album, The Weight is a Gift, landed them a spot on the roster of up and coming independent label, Barsuk Records, which showcases such talent as Rilo Kiley, They Might Be Giants, and The Long Winters. With their most recent album, Caws demonstrates a remarkable amount of musical virtuosity, composing more thoughtful, intimate songs that effortlessly draw upon a number of influences, including Beck, Air, and Simon and Garfunkel. Songs like "In the Mirror" and "My Legs Grow" are teeming with a refreshing honesty that provides a stark contrast to the boyish charm of their more juvenile 1996 MTV hit "Popular." As Caws and his band mates carry on into their 30s, their music continually matures and seems only to improve with age, unlike many of their contemporary musical counterparts. Nada Surf is developing stylistically while still highlighting the whimsical quality of their music that has appealed to audiences for over a decade.
Nada Surf rolls into Nashville on Sunday, February 12th, playing at the Exit/In at 8:00 p.m. with Rogue Wave and the Kings of France.
New York-based indie hopefuls Nada Surf have been a mainstay on the alternative music scene for quite some time. Longtime school friends Matthew Caws, lead guitarist and vocalist, and bassist Daniel Lorca finally teamed up after a plethora of failed musical ventures and formed Because Because Because, a prototype band that eventually evolved into Nada Surf in 1993. After some difficulty replacing their longtime drummer, the burgeoning trio signed to Elektra and released their first LP, High/Low, in 1996. The band returned two years later and recorded their second full-length, The Proximity Effect. After a four-year hiatus, Nada Surf returned in full force with their highly-acclaimed third album, Let Go, which is arguably their best studio effort to date. The band's playful, energetic melodies and quirky lyrics sparked the interest of Chris Walla, guitarist for largely successful indie darlings Death Cab For Cutie. Walla, who produced their fourth album, The Weight is a Gift, landed them a spot on the roster of up and coming independent label, Barsuk Records, which showcases such talent as Rilo Kiley, They Might Be Giants, and The Long Winters. With their most recent album, Caws demonstrates a remarkable amount of musical virtuosity, composing more thoughtful, intimate songs that effortlessly draw upon a number of influences, including Beck, Air, and Simon and Garfunkel. Songs like "In the Mirror" and "My Legs Grow" are teeming with a refreshing honesty that provides a stark contrast to the boyish charm of their more juvenile 1996 MTV hit "Popular." As Caws and his band mates carry on into their 30s, their music continually matures and seems only to improve with age, unlike many of their contemporary musical counterparts. Nada Surf is developing stylistically while still highlighting the whimsical quality of their music that has appealed to audiences for over a decade.
Nada Surf rolls into Nashville on Sunday, February 12th, playing at the Exit/In at 8:00 p.m. with Rogue Wave and the Kings of France.