Date: 08/05/08
Rating:
As one of America's best kept secrets, Nada Surf are really only known for the 90s hit 'Popular' which was far too much like Weezer for comfort. After five albums they have found their own perfect alternative pop sound and with new album 'Lucky', they are due a much bigger fan base.
Playing London for the third time this year, Nada Surf are back and at their biggest venue after playing the Scala and Borderline. Another sold out show must be adding confidence to the New Yorkers - soon they may actually do a whole UK tour (well wishful thinking). Playing to the one of the politest audiences in London, they take to the stage now as a live four piece, with an added keyboard/guitarist, which certainly has been a long time coming. The stage decorated with shimmering drapes, is the most glamorous part of the show. Matthew Caws and the guys are nearing the dreaded 40 and play down the gimmicks these days (though that doesn't stop bassist Daniel Lorca from sporting the same dreadlocks for the last eight years).
Opening as per usual with 'Blizzard Of 77', tonight's set is focusing on this decade and their last three albums, which is a shame as they miss out on their rockier side in favour of the sun drenched tunes. How they manage to write such optimistic tunes whilst living in darkest Seattle is a testament to Caws, who has to be up there with Dave Grohl as the friendliest man in rock. To omit fan favourites like 'Stalemate' and 'Way You Wear Your Head' is peculiar, especially when they only play for an hour and fifteen minutes. But the show goes on, with a strong bias to 'Let Go' and 'Lucky', highlights being the epic 'See These Bones' and their hookiest single this year 'I Like What You Say'.
The Nada Surf crowd lap up everything they hear, although there is a noticeable lack of bouncing, so Caws gets them joining in with a dance routine for 'Inside Of Love'. He is very much on form all night, and seems delighted to play 'Blonde On Blonde'; the grins continue throughout, to set closer 'Blankest Year'. Support band Get Well Soon invade the stage, and the night turns into a party, as the band egg on the audience to join in, to KOKO security's frustration.
Francis Jolley
Nada Surf Official Site
Nada Surf Myspace
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