Coming together over thirty years ago, Nada Surf’s melodies and intriguing guitar notes have captivated fans from all over the world. Now decades later, the band are back with their new album Moon Mirror. Released on September 13, 2024 through New West Records, interestingly enough, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of their debut single, “The Plan/Telescope.” This history in mind, Moon Mirror is Nada Surf’s 10th overall studio album, first since 2020’s Never Not Together, and was produced by the band themselves, along with Ian Laughton (who has worked with bands like Supergrass and Ash).
Exciting for long-time fans to learn, there are some who may not be too well-versed on Nada Surf… so they might wonder where did the band come from, and how did they get their start? Well, Nada Surf, originally called Helicopter, was founded by Mathew Caws (Vocals/guitar) and Daniel Lorca (bass/backing vocals) back in 1992. Coming out of New York City, the band met the late, great Cars Frontman Ric Ocasek, and soon changed their name to Nada Surf. Caws, when asked where the name came from described, “the sensation of surfing on nothing, being lost in your own head or imagination.” Fun to learn, today, Nada Surf consists of Mathew Caws, Daniel Lorca, long-time Drummer Ira Elliot, and Keyboardist Louie Lin. A dynamic Alternative Rock band, they found fame with hits such as “Popular” (from 1996’s High/Low), “Blizzard of ‘77” (from 2002’s Let Go), and “Always Love” (from 2004’s The Weight is a Gift).
Looking to add to their story, Moon Mirror offers eleven songs that have plenty of Nada Surf’s signature sounds. For example “Second Skin” features upbeat, bright guitar melodies and strong drum beats, as Caws’ voice rings in. The perfect start, the entirety of the album consistently dish out epic melodic guitar tones, again, matched excellently with Caws’ voice. Additionally, most of the songs take you back to the ’90s, because the band has remained true to their sound.
All this in mind, while much of the album is as mentioned, Moon Mirror’s title-track slows a bit and is more about Caws’ voice and the lyrics. Nada Surf has always made a connection with their fans with their intriguing lyrics and Caws unchanging unaging voice. With this cut, the beginning is deep (as they always are), featuring the words, “Show me a partner, make me an engine, a part of something somewhere, moon mirror, highways of hope, moon mirror.”
This is while “Losing,” takes a bit of a darker approach to lyrics; which is a bit different for the band who usually sing of love, curiosity, forgiveness, and motivation. Opposite, “Losing” is more about the changes as one gets older. In enough words, it is about the losses that come along with it and the idea of ‘drifting’; as the lyrics describe, “I am drifting, I’m a cloud I am bending, I am bowed I’m just static in the air dissipating and I don’t care I am losing.” Then there is “New Propeller” which slows you down and gives off a more moody acoustic guitar feel and captures the more melancholy feeling of growing older and the changes. Still, as the song continues, “Don’t be afraid you won’t be replaced, don’t be afraid you won’t be erased,” it gives you a bit of hope.
Something to dig deep into, the conclusion of Moon Mirror has a more desolation vibe. Here, the melodic guitars are more present with a darker sound and Caws’ voice stresses the idea of a certain emptiness on the track “Floater.” With lyrics such as “Simple in the sun, don’t want to trouble anyone, test the fabric of your shell, drop a rope down the wishing well, tired, probably scared forgiveness is right there,” you are hit in the heart strings hard.
With over three decades and ten albums to their credit, Nada Surf proves they know just where they stand in this dog eat dog world. An Indie Rock band who continues to excel, Cryptic Rock gives Moon Mirror 5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment