New York City based Alternative Rock band Nada Surf is back with Never Not Together, their first album of new music since 2016’s You Know Who You Are. Releasing their live album Peaceful Ghosts later that same year, Never Not Together marks their ninth studio album and is set for release on Friday, February 7th, 2020 through German based label City Slang.
A band that has stood the test of time, from the dawn of 1990s through present day, Matthew Caws (lead vocals, guitar), Daniel Lorca (bass, backing vocals) and Ira Elliot (drums) join forces to bring you 9 new songs that lasts approximately 43 minutes. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, Wales, the band successfully drew on their signature guitar driven sound and heartfelt, very human lyrics.
First giving fans a taste of new music with the release of the lead single “Something I Should Do” back in November of last year, it offered something equally fresh as it was classic Nada Surf. Featuring spoken word monologues and warm vocals from Matthew Caws, think back to the early days of the band as a comparison, as early as the 1996 debut LP High/Low.
A solid selection as a single, the album itself opens with the soft jangling sound of “So Much Love” before slowly increasing in overall intensity and volume. Matched with a very smooth, solid production, the pace remains consistent with the likes of tracks such as the slightly melancholic “Just Wait.” Then, later on, there is the desperate feeling of “Looking For You,” an interesting piece which begins with some choral singing that almost mirrors Christmas caroling.
As mentioned, a very steady, mellow album throughout, amidst it all comes “Something I Should Do,” a tune which is arguably the fastest, most thriving of the entire album. Something you can actually dance to, on the other side of the happy vibes, Caws’ spoken words bridge the gap for more serious, political topics. Presented as a wake-up call about the dangers of modern life, all without being overly preachy, it is without question a standout moment and must listen.
All in all, Never Not Together is a fitting album to sit back and chill out with. Creating a hypnotic sound, song by song you are sucked into standard Nada Surf styled music which is defined by mellow arrangements and thoughtful lyrics. That all in mind, it is a welcomed return from this highly underrated band that does not step away from their roots too far, but still manages to give their followers something new. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Never Not Together 3 out of 5 stars.
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