You Know Who You Are. Nada Surf

'The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy' was reviewed on this blog in its first weeks and is a proud member of the top 10 views ever for the past years. And here I am nearly overlooking Nada Surf's new record, 'You Know Who You Are'. I "refound" it scrolling down my iPod the whole way and pushed play straight away, thinking 'oh yeah' within the first minute of the first song.

Like most of the world I was introduced to Nada Surf through the novelty hit 'Popular', a song surfing along on the wave Weezer created with its first hit 'Buddy Holly'. I did not really like the album (of both bands) and sort of forgot all about Nada Surf until 2012. In 2016 both bands mentioned in this introduction are back with a fun record. Expect Weezer a bit later.

Matthew Caws and his partners Daniel Lorca (bass), Ira Elliot (drums) play together since the breakthrough, which is fairly exceptional, with Doug Gillard who joined in 2012 (guitar). They have become experts in smooth running alternative poprock songs. Songs so smooth they savour the ears, please the mind and sooth foul moods.

'Cold To See Clear' opens the album with a modest verse, before it bursts out into a heavenly chorus. A chorus perhaps dreaming of things Beach Boys, also a chorus perhaps belying the age of Nada Surf's members in 2016. If I put that forward as an argument, I better pack up this blog also. 'Cold To See Clear' took me alright. "What can I do but dream?" The song is so light it defies gravity, space and time. The perfect first single.

'Cold To See Clear' sets the stage for You Know Who You Are. Caws is on the path of the perfect popsong and has found the formula. With a sweet voice, avoiding any irregularities, he presents his songs. So if Nada Surf has a downside, that it is. Everything is very smooth sailing and nowhere a glitch or bite in sight. If you have no objection to indie pop songs that aim for perfection, then there are no hindrances keeping you from taking on You Know Who You Are. This album is a sound follow to up the great 'The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy'.

The mood may change a little here and there. 'Friend Hospital' e.g. is definitely more in a minor key, but it does not change the intent of the album: pure beauty. Enough said, it's time to start listening.

Wo.

You can listen to 'Cold To See Clear' here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZzmmfL6-6M

or buy the album on Bol.Com